The Rt. Rev. J. Neil Alexander, outgoing bishop of Atlanta, has had a change of plans. Alexander has accepted the deanship of the school of theology at Sewanee: The University of the South, and will not come to Candler to serve as director of the Episcopal Studies Program in the fall of 2012, as had previously been decided.

“Naturally, we are disappointed that Bishop Alexander will not be bringing his particular expertise to Candler as a full-time member of the faculty,” said Jan Love, dean and professor of Christianity and world politics at Candler. “I am grateful for Neil’s 11 years of faithful service to Candler as chair of the Episcopal Studies Advisory Committee, as an adjunct professor in the Episcopal Studies Program, and his wonderful partnership as bishop of the diocese of Atlanta,” she added.

In an email to Candler's faculty and staff, Love said that the school will move expeditiously to appoint an interim leader for the Episcopal Studies Program. “Candler’s long-standing commitment to educating priests in the Anglican tradition remains as strong as it has ever been,” she wrote, urging them to stay tuned for a forthcoming announcement about new leadership for the program.

Love looks forward to Candler continuing its nearly 40-year tradition of providing an excellent educational environment for the formation of Episcopal Church leaders. “Candler offers the best of both worlds—a robust Episcopal Studies Program plus an ecumenical community. That unique combination gives us the ability to prepare clergy who are well-suited to effective leadership in an increasingly diverse world,” she said.