The standing committee of the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama has chosen the Rt. Rev. John McKee Sloan as one of four nominees in consideration for the 11th Bishop of Alabama.

The committee made the announcement of nominees in late April and will elect the position on July 16 at Cathedral Church of the Advent in Birmingham.

Sloan, who is Bishop Suffragan for the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama, said he’s honored to be included in the nomination.

“It’s been my very great privilege to serve our Lord Jesus Christ in this part of God’s Church as the Bishop Suffragan of the Diocese of Alabama,” Sloan said. “I believe there is no limit to what people of good can do, strengthened and guided by the Spirit of God.”

Drew Clark, chairperson of search and nominating committee, said the committee believes strongly in the chosen candidates.

“We believe all four nominees possess characteristics that we’re looking for,” Clark said.

According to the diocese’s website, through listening sessions, survey responses and meetings, the committee looks for such characteristics as spiritual leader who can lead and inspire, someone committed to making diocese more diversified, a visionary with a heart for the mission, and someone who loves the people of Alabama.

Sloan, a native of Mississippi, has been married to his wife Tina since 1987 and has two children, McKee and Mary Nell. Sloan received a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from Mississippi State University and Master of Divinity degree from the University of the South in Sewanee, Tenn. Participating in nearly twenty medical mission trips to Honduras and serving as priest in four congregations for more than 25 years, Sloan is a firm believer in ministry starting modestly.

“I’ve been fortunate to have been involved with a wide array of ministries and programs — some already established and some just beginning,” Sloan said. “My experience has taught me that if we wait until we’re ready to start something we’ll never start it at all. I’m grateful for each opportunity to offer my gifs and talents to the service of God.”

Other nominees include the Rev. Kenneth L. Chumbley, Rector, Christ Episcopal Church in Springfield, MO; the Rev. Clare Fischer-Davies, Rector, St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Providence, RI and the Rev. William C. Treadwell, III, Rector, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Waco, Texas.