New Hampshire Episcopal Diocese names three bishop candidates

The Standing Committee of the Episcopal Church of New Hampshire announced three candidates for the position of 11th bishop to succeed retiring Bishop Robert Hirschfeld after 14 years in ministry. The Rev. Ed Cardoza, priest-in-charge at Grace Church in Manchester; the Rev. Fran Gardner-Smith, rector of St. Thomas Church in McLean, Virginia; and the Rev. Kristofer Lindh-Payne, canon to the ordinary for leadership in the Diocese of Maryland, were selected following an eight-month search process. That process included a diocesan survey and listening sessions across the diocese with church members, lay leaders, and clergy. The selection came after the Standing Committee determined these candidates matched the hopes and prayers of the New Hampshire Episcopal Church. Additional nominees may be added through a petition process concluding August 22, 2026. The three finalists will meet with church members at meet-and-greet events in Ashland, Exeter, and Concord in early October. Episcopal delegates from the diocese's 46 congregations and clergy will vote for the next bishop on October 24, 2026, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Concord. The ordination and consecration of the 11th bishop will take place March 6, 2027, at Rollins Chapel in Hanover, with the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church officiating. The Episcopal Church of New Hampshire serves approximately 10,000 members across 46 congregations and eight seasonal chapels.

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Source: Episcopal News Service — https://episcopalnewsservice.org/2026/08/14/new-hampshire-diocese-names-3-nominees-to-slate-for-11th-bishop/