5 Nominated To Lead Episcopal Diocese Of Mass.

The Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts has announced five nominees to become the new bishop.

The diocese with 185 congregations in the eastern part of the state is seeking a new bishop to replace the retiring M. Thomas Shaw, who's led the diocese since 1994.

The nominees announced Wednesday are the Rev. Holly Antolini, rector of St. James, Cambridge; the Rev. Ronald Culmer, rector of St. Clare's, Pleasanton, Calif.; the Rev. Alan Gates, rector of St. Paul's, Cleveland Heights, Ohio; the Rev. Ledlie Laughlin, rector of St. Peter's, Philadelphia; and the Rev. Sam Rodman, project manager for campaign initiatives for the Massachusetts diocese.

More candidates may be added later.

The nominees will participate in a series of open meetings around the diocese in March. The election is April 5.