Albany Catholics collecting suggestions for new Bishop

When news broke that their local Bishop would be retiring, Call To Action members in Albany, New York initiated an effort to gather the feedback of local Catholics about the needs of the region.  Working with other groups in the diocese, the grassroots effort is modeled after the 1976 effort by the Albany diocese which solicited input from parishioners before choosing the new Bishop.

"The purpose of the effort really is to avoid secrecy and make the voices of people in the diocese public," said chapter leader Steven Powers. The effort is being publicized by word of mouth within the diocese and Steven said he hopes that their project will inspire Catholics in other diocese to do the same when new Bishops are being considered.

Catholics in Albany are encouraged to fill out a survey on the website which asks for their opinion on "the needs and opportunities in the diocese, which its next bishop must address" and the qualifications and traits the next Bishop should have. The results will be collected and a report published publicly (individual names will remain anonymous) and sent to diocesan leadership and the Nuncio. If you know anyone in upstate NY, be sure to send them the link!  f you want to find out more about the effort or start a similar one in your local diocese, check out the website for The Albany Bishop Search Project or contact us at CTA.