St. Boniface narrows candidates in its search for new rector

St. Boniface Episcopal Church is narrowing down a list of candidates in its search for a new rector, which has been in the works since November.

After the retirement last spring of Ted Copeland, St. Boniface’s rector of 20 years, the church has considered a list of approximately 50 names, which has been funneled down to eight current candidates.

According to Doug Francis, the chairman of the search committee, the application process includes résumé screenings, video interviews, taped sermon viewings and visits to the potential rectors’ current churches before a group of three candidates is invited to St. Boniface for an on-site interview. Francis says the search committee is pleased with the search thus far.

“We’re thrilled with the selection,” he said. “The candidates we have are all very strong in regard to our requirements, which puts us in a good position.”

Francis went on to say that the search committee is looking for a rector with experience in a church similar to St. Boniface in both size and budget, but, above all, someone who embraces the church’s inclusive nature.

“All people are welcome in the house of Christ,” he said. “That’s an important part for us. We want all members feel welcome.”

Dean Taylor, the interim rector, who was hired in September, echoed many of the search committee’s descriptions of an ideal rector.

A Georgia native, who previously served for 20 years as a permanent rector in his home state, Taylor relocated to Siesta Key for his second stint as an interim rector, during which he aimed to help the church through the transition period. Since then, he says he has found a welcoming, open-minded congregation that he’s come to love and with which he’s built a relationship.

“It really is a delightful group of people,” said Taylor. “They’re very progressive, open-minded, thoughtful and well-informed about things going on in the world.”

Another selling point for Taylor was the rich arts scene in Sarasota, which he was happy to discover was strongly supported at St. Boniface. A cellist himself, Taylor quickly felt right at home.

“They also are a group to which the arts are very important,” said Taylor. “Especially music. They’re very sophisticated artistically.”

The search committee expects to choose a new rector before Thanksgiving, before the Christmas season makes scheduling interviews more difficult.

After his service is complete, Taylor says he’s not sure whether he’ll pursue a position as a permanent rector in Georgia or continue working on an interim basis. Although he’s drawn to the adventurous nature of interim work, he finds it difficult to say goodbye to congregations he’s come to know.

“I hope the new rector is someone who will love these people and appreciate the uniqueness of this place,” said Taylor. “I hope they have a seriousness about the importance of what they’re doing, and yet a lightness and spirit of joy as well.”