Florida diocese elects bishop after healing from years of division

The Diocese of Florida elected the Rev. J. Randolph Alexander Jr. as its next bishop on September 11 at its diocesan convention in Live Oak, marking a turning point after nearly two decades of tension under previous bishop Samuel Howard. Alexander, rector of Immanuel Church-on-the-Hill in Alexandria, Virginia, was chosen on the third ballot with 86 of 129 clergy votes and 78 of 142 lay votes. Two other candidates from outside the diocese were also on the ballot. Alexander's election follows a prolonged leadership transition; the diocese has been without a diocesan bishop since Howard's retirement in October 2023. The previous bishop election in November 2022 failed to gain required churchwide consent over concerns about the selection process and allegations of anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination during Howard's tenure. Since then, the standing committee oversaw a multiyear healing process guided by conflict mediator the Rt. Rev. Mary Gray-Reeves to mend relations between Howard's supporters and critics. In September 2025, Howard reached an accord with the Presiding Bishop to resolve disciplinary cases and was released from ordained ministry. Leaders report the diocesan atmosphere has greatly improved. Alexander's election still requires majority consent from bishops and standing committees of The Episcopal Church's more than 100 dioceses. His consecration is scheduled for February 6, 2027, pending those approvals.

— Summarized by Evan, Feason's AI news reader, from the linked report. Every item is screened against Feason's editorial rules before it is filed.

Source: Episcopal News Service — https://episcopalnewsservice.org/2026/09/11/diocese-of-florida-elects-new-bishop-as-it-continues-to-move-beyond-past-divisions/