[Episcopal News Service] The Nashville-based Diocese of Tennessee is extending its bishop search process to find “a Christ-centered, theologically astute, energetic, forward-thinking and visionary leader.”
The process for receiving new applications opened July 6 and will close on July 27. The final candidate slate is expected to be released in September, according to the diocese’s election webpage.
The date of the electing convention is pending.
The 12th bishop would succeed Tennessee Bishop John C. Bauerschmidt, who has led the diocese since 2007. In June 2025, Bauerschmidt announced his plans to retire in January 2027.
“Serving as your diocesan bishop has been the singular privilege of my ordained ministry, and a personal joy,” Bauerschmidt said in his announcement. “I am grateful to all of you for your support and encouragement in this work. I am especially grateful to my wife, Caroline, who has accompanied me in this ministry.”
In recent years, Bauerschmidt, known as one of the church’s more theologically conservative bishops, has been a prominent figure in churchwide efforts to foster greater “communion across difference,” engaging in dialogue involving Episcopalians at all points on the theological spectrum.
“This new bishop will be able to preserve the sense of unity we have nurtured, while working creatively with parishes that differ in size, resources, regional needs and varied differences in theological and missional emphasis,” the announcement said.
Pending consents from diocesan standing committees and bishops, the bishop’s consecration will be held on April 10, 2027.
The Diocese of Tennessee, one of three dioceses in the state, includes Episcopal congregations in the central third of Tennessee.