Northwest Texas Diocese Named Bishop Nominees
Four candidates have been selected to succeed Bishop Scott Mayer in the Diocese of Northwest Texas.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in People
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The Standing Committee of the Diocese of Northwest Texas announced four nominees for the position of bishop. The candidates were selected to replace Bishop Scott Mayer, who previously announced his intent to retire.
Why it matters
The appointment process is a critical transition for the church, as the diocese moves toward electing its sixth bishop. This leadership change will guide the organization's future in the region.
The committee identified four official nominees for the role. The diocese has now opened a 10-day period for the submission of additional candidates by petition.
The players
Scott Mayer
He is the current Bishop of the Diocese of Northwest Texas who announced his upcoming retirement.
Amy Peden Haynie
She is one of the four nominees for bishop based in Midland, Texas.
Elizabeth Anne Randall
She is a bishop nominee who is currently serving in the Diocese of Oklahoma.
Christopher Blake Thomas
He is a bishop nominee based in Dallas, Texas.
Andrew R. Wright
He is a bishop nominee who is currently affiliated with the Diocese of Newark in New Jersey.
The details
The candidates for the sixth bishop of the diocese are Amy Peden Haynie, Elizabeth Anne Randall, Christopher Blake Thomas, and Andrew R. Wright. The diocese plans to hold meet-and-greet events throughout November to introduce these individuals to the local community.
Timeline
October 2025: Bishop Scott Mayer announced his intention to retire.
October 6, 2026: The diocese officially announced the four bishop nominees.
November 2026: Meet-and-greet events with the candidates will occur.
January 2027: The election for the new bishop is scheduled.
June 2027: Bishop Scott Mayer will step down and his successor will be consecrated.
Market Landscape
The nomination process functions as the central organizational transition following the retirement of Bishop Scott Mayer. This leadership change initiates the search for the sixth bishop to maintain the diocese's regional operations.
Members of the diocese will have the opportunity to participate in the selection process during upcoming meet-and-greet events. These sessions provide a direct way for the community to engage with the candidates before the January 2027 election.
The takeaway
The selection of these four nominees marks a major milestone in the administrative transition of the diocese. Local members should prepare to engage with the candidates during the November sessions to better understand the future direction of the organization.
Further reading
For more information on organizational leadership transitions in the state, visit Texas People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Episcopal News Service.
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