One in a series of introductions to the subcommittees of the Bishop Search Committee
[The Episcopal News] Hello, we’re the Communications and Technology Subcommittee of the Bishop Search Committee. Chair: Ms. Cherrylin “Chet” Longid (Holy Trinity & St. Benedict, Alhambra). Members: the Rev. KC Robertson (St. Matthew’s, Pacific Palisades) and Thomas Diaz (All Saints, Pasadena).
Tell us what your subcommittee does.
Our subcommittee is tasked with managing the technological aspects and communications related to the bishop search process. During the initial stages of the search process, we were deeply involved with information dissemination and facilitating Zoom listening sessions. We created informational videos and flyers that we circulated via social media and other platforms with the goal of communicating to the diocese and the wider community updates and information pertinent to the bishop search. We also work collaboratively with the diocesan Communications Office to enhance coverage and ensure appropriate information is shared and distributed.
You’re doing a lot on social media. Tell us where to find your postings, and why you’re in so many places.
You can find us on Facebook and Instagram as “EDLA Bishop Search 2025.” Our informational videos are also on YouTube. We’re definitely using these platforms for greater connectivity.
How has technology changed bishop searches?
Lots of ways. We now post profiles online rather than printing and mailing hard copies. That puts them in the hands of many more people around the world. We can make a bishop search known to the wider church through e-mail and postings on church-related websites. We can reach out to potential candidates quickly and easily via e-mail. We can interview our candidates face-to-face on Zoom. We can livestream the Meet and Greets in October so everyone can watch if they can’t attend in person. The electing convention Nov. 7-8 and the consecration next July 11 will be livestreamed. And we can keep our diocese in the loop with regular postings on our website and via social media.
On a more personal level, the Search Committee did not meet in person from November 2024 until this month, but thanks to the magic of Zoom we were able to meet online and do the work of writing the profile, conducting listening sessions, and seeking candidates. When we did meet in person earlier in July, it felt like a family reunion because we had all come to know each other so well through our Zoom meetings. Thank you, technology!
What’s the hardest part of your job? What’s the easiest?
This is Chet: I can’t really describe it as “hard” or “difficult” in a sense that I always have help whenever I find myself in unfamiliar territory and not knowing how to proceed. It’s a commitment I intend to keep. Having Thomas and KC makes this work easier.
Angels are God’s messengers. You’re the technology angels for the Search Committee. What message do you want to deliver to our diocese?
We, the Communications and Technology Subcommittee, endeavor to commit to best practices to ensure honest and timely communications. It is our goal bring about a fair, transparent, and ultimately successful bishop search.