Preparing for the Election of the Next Bishop of Washington

A Message from Bishop Mariann Budde

Fifteen years ago, I began serving as the ninth Episcopal Bishop of Washington. It has been one of the greatest blessings of my life.

Today, I’m sharing news I’ve been discerning carefully: it’s time to begin preparing for the election of the Diocese of Washington’s next bishop. The election will take place at Diocesan Convention on January 29, 2028, with consecration on June 3, 2028.

This is not a goodbye — it’s the beginning of a sacred process. I will give everything I have to make sure this diocese is as strong and healthy as possible for this transition.

I am grateful. And I am praying for the one God is already preparing for this call. 🙏

Read my full letter below.

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Dear Friends of the Diocese of Washington,

Blessings to you as we enter October.

Next month marks the fifteenth anniversary of our shared ministry. I hope that you know that serving as your bishop is one of the great blessings of my life.

I write today because I have discerned, in consultation with diocesan leadership and the Presiding Bishop’s office, that it is time to begin preparing for the election of your next bishop. I have not come to this decision lightly or alone, and it will not be easy to say goodbye to the diocese I love.

The process, however, is only beginning. The election of your new diocesan bishop will take place at the regularly scheduled Diocesan Convention on January 29, 2028. The consecration and ordination will be on June 3, 2028, which is when my tenure as your bishop will end.

It takes time and considerable effort to elect a bishop in our church. The responsibility for shepherding that process rests with the Standing Committee, the elected body that provides counsel to the bishop and oversees important diocesan matters. Each region of the Diocese has a representative on the Standing Committee, and the current president of the Standing Committee is Matt Klaus. Next week you will receive a letter from the Standing Committee that will outline the steps required, which include the appointment of two committees to undertake this work.

Alongside the diocesan staff and leadership bodies, I will do everything in my power to ensure that the diocese is as strong and healthy as possible for this leadership transition. I am praying for all involved, and especially for the one God is preparing to serve as the tenth bishop of the Diocese of Washington.

Faithfully in Christ,

Bishop Mariann