The Episcopal Diocese of Long Island is selecting a new bishop, but instead of a top-down decision, it will be an exercise in democracy, complete with candidates, town halls where they will be grilled by the faithful and a convention where delegates, including laypeople, will vote.

The convention will feature two chambers somewhat like the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, with a two-thirds majority in each required for approval.

The diocese even ran an ad announcing the opening and soliciting candidates.

"It’s a very democratic way of selecting your leader," said Jason Moskal, a deacon in the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island who is helping to lead the search for a new bishop. The Episcopal Church is "set up very similar to the United States government."

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