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New Hampshire diocese names 3 nominees to slate for 11th bishop

August 14, 2026

[Episcopal Church of New Hampshire] After an extensive search process, the Standing Committee of the Episcopal Church of New Hampshire has selected three candidates for the 11th bishop to replace retiring Bishop Robert Hirschfeld, according to an Aug. 14 announcement. The next step is for finalists to meet with church members, lay leaders and clergy across New Hampshire at three events in October. Episcopal delegates will then vote for their next bishop on Oct. 24, 2026. The candidates were identified after an eight-month process that included a diocesan survey and listening sessions with church members across the diocese. The candidates on the slate are: The Rev. Ed Cardoza, priest-in-charge, Grace Church, Manchester, New Hampshire. The Rev. Fran Gardner-Smith, rector, St. Thomas Church, McLean, Virginia. The Rev. Kristofer Lindh-Payne, canon to the ordinary for leadership, Diocese of Maryland. Additional nominees may be added through a petition process that concludes on Aug. 22, 2026. Margaret Porter, president of the standing committee, says that the process reflects the best qualities of the diocese and its membership. “We are incredibly blessed by the commitment of our search committee, who have generously shared their time,” Porter said. “Their lengthy discernment has provided us with three people who match the hopes and prayers of our Episcopal Church in New Hampshire. Our equally dedicated transition committee members and other volunteers are preparing for the upcoming events to welcome the candidates to the diocese, express our gratitude to retiring Bishop Hirschfeld after 14 years in ministry with us, and install our new bishop.” Hirschfeld became bishop in August 2014. The Episcopal Church of New Hampshire serves approximately 10,000 members across 46 congregations and eight seasonal chapels statewide. The diocese describes itself as geographically diverse, spiritually resilient and deeply committed to community-based ministry. Meet and Greet events will be held Oct. 8-10 in multiple locations: Ashland, Exeter and Concord. The candidates will spend time conversing with people, sharing their vision for the future and fielding questions. The electing convention is scheduled for Oct. 24 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Concord, when lay delegates from the 46 New Hampshire congregations, along with clergy, will vote for the next bishop. The ordination and consecration of the 11th bishop of New Hampshire will take place March 6, 2027, at Rollins Chapel in Hanover, with the Most Rev. Sean Rowe, Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, officiating. For more information, please visit nhepiscopalbishoptransition.org.