Bishop Todd Succession FAQ

Bishop Todd Succession FAQ

<< Back to the Succession Page

The Diocesan Bishop

A Bishop is called by God and the Church to be a biblically faithful shepherd who oversees the flock entrusted to his care. A Bishop is an overseer called to propagate, teach, uphold and defend the Faith and Order of the Church, willingly and as God directs. He must not be greedy for money but be eager to serve, not lording the authority of his office or position over those entrusted to his care. He must be a humble, wholesome example to the entire flock of Christ. By the tradition of Christ’s One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church, Bishops are consecrated for the whole Church and are successors of the Apostles through the grace of the Holy Spirit given to them. They are chief missionaries and chief pastors, guardians and teachers of doctrine, and administrators of godly discipline and governance.

Retirement means Bishop Todd will conclude his service as C4SO’s Diocesan Bishop. He and his wife Debbie will discern post-retirement ministry activities as appropriate.

Bishop Todd will continue to function as Diocesan Bishop until April 20, 2026, during the search, election, installation and training of his replacement. Bishop Todd will overlap for several months with the new Diocesan Bishop, and this time will be used for mentoring and training.

Bishop Todd and Debbie will remain in their home in Franklin, TN, where they already planned to retire.

We expect the new Diocesan Bishop will continue to lead the diocese consistent with our vision and values, so it might not “feel” much different on the local church level. Rectors, clergy and churches will carry on ministry as usual.

Clergy will engage with the new Diocesan Bishop the same way they do with Bishop Todd and Bishop Brian, through email, Zoom, phone call or personal visit. Rectors will host the new Diocesan Bishop at their churches, if relevant, for episcopal visits in cooperation with the Suffragan Bishop. Clergy will also receive teaching and equipping from the Diocesan Bishop in various settings like Office Hours, the clergy retreat and the clergy conference.

Laity will have a chance to get to know and interact with the Diocesan Bishop in online forums and in person during episcopal visits.

On a diocesan level, C4SO’s headquarters in Franklin, TN, will likely change to the city the new Diocesan Bishop calls home. Throughout the transition, our dedicated Diocesan Team is committed to keeping the day-to-day life of the diocese running smoothly, from safety initiatives to finances to communications.

To be a suitable candidate for Diocesan Bishop, a person must:

  • Be a person of prayer and strong faith
  • Be pious, have exemplary morals and exhibit godly character
  • Have a zeal for the salvation of and care for souls
  • Have demonstrated fruit of the Holy Spirit
  • Possess the knowledge and gifts that equip him to fulfill the office
  • Be held in high esteem by the faithful
  • Be a male Presbyter at least 35 years old
  • Have demonstrated the ability to lead and grow a church

In addition to the Canonical requirements above, C4SO will give strongest consideration to candidates who have demonstrated effectiveness as a senior leader (Rector) of a local Anglican congregation.

To continue pioneering C4SO’s culture and values, we also seek a Bishop who will:

  • Have capacity to work with the ACNA’s College of Bishops and Anglican global partners such as GAFCON and the Global South
  • Have affirmed the fundamental declarations of C4SO
  • Maintain the emphasis on kingdom, spirit, formation, mission and sacrament that has shaped our ethos
  • Teach the Word faithfully and effectively, lead humbly, and listen attentively to the Holy Spirit and to conversation partners
  • Possess a Rev. 7:9 vision for different races and ethnic backgrounds worshiping and serving together in the Church
  • Enthusiastically celebrate women as priests and deacons, gladly ordaining them to all levels of church leadership, while modeling graciousness toward those who may disagree
  • Be prepared to lead C4SO in godly responses to cultural issues, including matters of racial/ethnic justice, human sexuality, and sexual misconduct
  • Wisely and graciously deal with conflict within the Church and among her people, ministering healing and reconciliation in relationships
  • Safeguard the most vulnerable in our churches and the physical, emotional and spiritual health of every person in our care
  • Embrace the diverse worship styles of C4SO’s local churches
  • Maintain impeccable integrity and propriety regarding confidences, interpersonal relationships and financial affairs
  • Be an effective communicator and a capable administrator, utilizing the gifts of staff and other diocesan leaders
  • Embody a non-anxious presence that encourages contextualization for the sake of others
  • Exhibit a commitment to the office of the Bishop that may prompt them to reassess their current ministry position, such as being a Rector or a Professor (although that is not required).

Yes, it is common practice in the ACNA to nominate a candidate for Diocesan Bishop who is outside the diocese. However, the candidate must reside within the ACNA.

The Process

The official search process kicked off in August 2024, upon receiving approval from the standing committee of the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA).

The search process follows protocol stipulated in the ACNA Constitution and Canons:

  1. C4SO’s Executive Leadership Team (ELT) appointed a search committee—comprised of four ELT members and two advisors who represented diversity in gender, race, geography, age and church size—to select and interview the candidates.
  2. C4SO clergy nominated candidates for Diocesan Bishop from within the diocese or from within the broader ACNA. Bishops in the ACNA and C4SO church attendees were also able to nominate candidates. The nomination window closed September 30.
  3. The search committee interviewed and narrowed down the nominated candidates, who were then approved and selected by the ELT. The candidates completed background checks and other provincial vetting processes.
  4. The final candidates will be presented at a specially convened Diocesan Convention on April 26, 2025, where C4SO’s clergy and laity will vote on which candidate to elect.
  5. Finally, the College of Bishops will interview and approve the selected candidate to be consecrated in Fall 2025 (date subject to change).

In an effort to ensure continuity and a smooth leadership transition, there will be an overlap of several months between the election of the new Diocesan Bishop and Bishop Todd’s retirement, allowing for training and mentoring.

The nomination window closed September 30, 2024. C4SO clergy nominated candidates for Diocesan Bishop from within the diocese or from within the broader ACNA. Bishops in the ACNA, as well as C4SO church attendees, were also able to nominate candidates.

Bishop Todd did not have direct involvement in choosing his successor. His only role was to consult with the Search Committee upon their request.

See a detailed visual timeline on the succession landing page.

What is happening in February 2025

  • The final candidates are completing background checks and other provincial vetting processes.
  • At a special Diocesan Convention on April 26, 2025, C4SO’s clergy and laity will vote on which candidate to elect.
  • Finally, the College of Bishops will interview and approve the selected candidate to be consecrated in September 2025 (date subject to change).

We have scheduled the election for April 26, 2025 at a special convened Diocesan Convention.

According to our Canons, the diocese—clergy and laity—truly owns this election process. Every C4SO clergyperson can vote in the election, and two representatives from each C4SO church (more representatives will be named depending on church size) will also vote.

We have tentatively scheduled the consecration for September 2025. We will confirm the date as soon as possible.

Candidates and Election

After an exceptionally thorough and well-executed search process that began with 20+ nominees, C4SO’s Search Committee for a New Diocesan Bishop is pleased to present a slate of two candidates, John Haralson and Jeff Bailey, for election at a special diocesan convention on Zoom on April 26, 2025. Throughout the discernment process, the Search Committee’s goal was not merely to identify capable candidates for the office of Bishop, but to find those whom God is calling to lead C4SO in this next season. Following a season of much prayer and careful consideration, the Committee is confident that both of these men possess the character, faith, gifts and experience necessary for this critical role. The Bishops and the Committee believe these men are each wonderfully suited to continue leading our diocese in its mission in this next chapter.

Some nominees chose not to accept their nomination, while others accepted but eventually decided not to continue in the process because of their ministry role or life circumstances. The Search Committee valued their personal discernment as an integral part of the mutual discernment process. Other nominees did not proceed in the process because the Search Committee determined for various reasons that they were not the right person to lead C4SO. Due to the confidentiality of the process, we are not at liberty to talk about any nominees who declined their nomination or did not get selected for the final slate.

The search process was structured in three distinct rounds. In the first round, candidates submitted detailed spiritual autobiographies and responded to a series of essay questions. In the second round, the Search Committee conducted interviews and checked references. These interviews were conducted by several committee members to gain a deeper understanding of each candidate’s theology, character and gifting. Keeping the culture and vision of C4SO in mind, the committee asked targeted questions to help them assess each candidate’s suitability for the role. Finally, in the third round, candidates visited Atlanta for a final round of interviews, and the Search Committee also met with their spouses via Zoom. During the time in Atlanta, the committee conducted extensive individual interviews and group/panel interviews. Consistent with previous rounds, the goal was to ask questions to help discern each candidate’s level of alignment with the role. The candidates were required to give a talk on “Healthy Church Growth,” go through role-playing scenarios around issues of abuse in the Church, and answer questions concerning theology and vision for the diocese. In addition to the traditional “interviews,” the committee also built in downtime (meals, games, etc.) with the candidates to get to know them on a personal level and get a feel for how they interact socially.

Throughout this process, the Search Committee sought to find an excellent slate of candidates to put forth for an election. The Committee collectively experienced the guidance of the Holy Spirit as he led them in unity, discernment and wisdom throughout their work.

We will provide multiple opportunities to get to know the candidates leading up to the April 26 election. The entire diocese will have digital access to candidates’ materials, such as resumes, spiritual autobiographies and get-to-know-you videos. Clergy and Lay Delegates, who have voting privileges, will have several in-person Zoom meetings to interact live with the candidates before casting their votes at the election. We will communicate the dates and times of these Zoom meetings to Clergy and Lay Delegates via email.

The election will take place at a special online Diocesan Convention on April 26. Clergy and Lay Delegates (two or more individuals appointed by their Rector to represent their church) will vote for their preferred candidate via a secure voting software. The results will be shared immediately with Convention participants and, shortly thereafter, the diocese.

Only C4SO’s resident Clergy and appointed Lay Delegates from each church can vote to elect the new Diocesan Bishop.

Only Clergy and appointed Lay Delegates from each church have voting privileges; therefore, the Diocesan Convention will be restricted to Clergy and Lay Delegates. We will make the recording available afterward for all interested parties.

No, our Canons require in-person voting that meets a quorum of Clergy and Lay Delegates. If you are a member of C4SO’s Clergy or a Lay Delegate who is unable to attend the Convention, notify your Rector or the diocesan office as soon as possible.

If one candidate is not chosen by a majority after the first round of ballots are cast, we will continue voting until a candidate is chosen. Either Bishop Todd or Bishop Brian will lead the attendees in a time of guided prayer, and then return to vote again until a candidate is selected by a majority. This is similar to the process followed by the College of Bishops when electing an Archbishop for the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA).

The candidate who is not chosen will continue in his current job or role.

Immediately following the election, C4SO’s Communications Team will update C4SO.org to welcome the new Diocesan Bishop-Elect. We will also send an email to all newsletter subscribers. Sign up for our newsletter.

The Diocesan Bishop-Elect will transition into his new role as soon as he is able. C4SO’s headquarters in Franklin, TN, will likely change to the city the new Diocesan Bishop calls home within the year. Bishop Todd will continue in his role as Diocesan Bishop providing training and mentoring to the Bishop-Elect until May 1, 2026. All other diocesan business will continue as usual with staff members working remotely.

If you have a specific question about either of the two candidates for Diocesan Bishop, or if you would like to ask one of the candidates a question, complete this form.

The Role of the Diocese

Almighty God, giver of every good gift: Look graciously on your Church, and so guide the minds of those who choose a bishop for this diocese that we may receive a faithful pastor, who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Join the prayer team.

Stay updated on election of a new Diocesan Bishop on this landing page and by subscribing to our C4SO Community newsletter. If you have any questions that are not answered on the FAQ, email us. We’re committed to ensuring that your questions or concerns are heard and addressed in a timely manner.

Email the diocesan office. We will review your questions and comments and direct them to the appropriate party.

The Future

It’s important to say that we will deeply miss the presence of our founding leader. But we look forward to a hopeful future and all God will continue to do in and through the Diocese of C4SO. We are confident that our mature and gifted senior leadership team will guide us through this transition into a hopeful future.

C4SO enacted a thorough process to find and elect a new Diocesan Bishop to succeed Bishop Todd.

  1. C4SO’s Executive Leadership Team (ELT) appointed a Search Committee—comprised of four ELT members and two advisors who represented diversity in gender, race, geography, age and church size—to select and interview the candidates.
  2. C4SO clergy nominated candidates for Diocesan Bishop from within the diocese or from within the broader ACNA. Bishops in the ACNA and C4SO church attendees were also able to nominate candidates. The nomination window closed September 30, 2024.
  3. The Search Committee interviewed and narrowed down the nominated candidates, who were then approved and selected by the ELT. The candidates completed background checks and other provincial vetting processes.
  4. On April 26, 2025, at a specially convened Diocesan Convention, C4SO’s clergy and laity will vote on which candidate to elect.
  5. Finally, the College of Bishops will interview and approve the selected candidate to be consecrated in September 2025 (date subject to change).

To be a suitable candidate for Diocesan Bishop, a candidate must enthusiastically celebrate women as priests and deacons, gladly ordaining them, while modeling graciousness toward those who may disagree. Any suitable candidate must unequivocally uphold C4SO’s Posture on Women in Leadership and C4SO’s Canons.

To be a suitable candidate for Diocesan Bishop, a candidate must possess a Rev. 7:9 vision for different races and ethnic backgrounds worshiping and serving together in the Church. The suitable candidate must center the work of racial diversity and justice as a critical element of what it means to be missional in the world. The candidate must also help ensure that God’s vision for our diverse humanity both informs and drives C4SO’s work.

Post-Election 

In June, the College of Bishops will interview C4SO’s Bishop-Elect and give or withhold their consent to his election. Consenting to episcopal elections is one of the most important things the College of Bishops does together. That’s because a Bishop is not just a Bishop for his diocese, but for the whole Church.

According to the Canons of the Anglican Church in North America:

By the tradition of Christ’s One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, Bishops are consecrated for the whole Church and are successors of the Apostles through the grace of the Holy Spirit given to them. They are chief missionaries and chief pastors, guardians and teachers of doctrine, and administrators of godly discipline and governance.

If the College of Bishops does not consent to the Bishop-Elect, C4SO’s Bishops and the Executive Leadership Team will enter a period of discernment about how and when to begin the search process again.

If the College of Bishops consents, the Diocesan Bishop-Elect will begin a season of training and orientation with Bishop Todd, who will continue in his role as Diocesan Bishop until May 1, 2026. The Diocesan Bishop-Elect will now assume the title of Coadjutor, a formal term that means he is designated as Bishop Todd’s successor.

On September 27, 2025, we will consecrate the Coadjutor in his home city. The whole C4SO community is invited, and details are forthcoming.

On May 1, 2026, we will install the Coadjutor as C4SO’s new Diocesan Bishop at a special service coinciding with the Clergy Retreat at Glen Eyrie in Colorado Springs. The whole C4SO community is invited, and details are forthcoming.

More questions? Contact us.