The Rev. John Thornton of Stayton, Ore., has been chosen as bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Idaho.
Thornton, 57, was picked last weekend after a year-long search by the 5,000-member diocese, which spans all of southern Idaho and runs as far north as Riggins and Salmon. The diocese is holding its election convention this weekend in Twin Falls.Thornton is vicar of Christ the King parish in Stayton, 16 miles east of Salem. He also is director of Taucross Farms, a working farm used as a retreat center for Episcopal priests.
He also is a consultant to small, rural parishes nationwide, and that will be an asset to his Idaho duties, Thornton said.
Thornton's appointment is subject to approval from the standing committees of the Episcopal Church's 103 dioceses worldwide. If approved, his consecration ceremony would take place in early September.
Thornton succeeds the Rt. Rev. David Birney, now assisting bishop of the diocese of Massachusetts.