Two Bermudians have been nominated to take-over the top position of the Island's Anglican Church.

Last week the Chancellor of the Diocese sent out a letter to the clergy and the members informing them that Archdeacon Andrew Doughty and Reverend Patrick White were both contenders.

The process of choosing a new Bishop may have begun as early as last year after the announcement that Bishop Ewen Ratteray was retiring.

As the first black and first Bermudian Bishop of the Anglican Church, Bishop Ratteray left the Island this year to move to the City of York in England.

Last night Rev. White of St. Paul's Church in Paget, said he was honoured by the nomination and looked forward to working together in the process with Archdeacon Doughty.

He said: "As one of two it's an honour to be considered. We are good friend and I can say from my point of view it's something we are going working together to do ultimately."

Rev. White who is 65, with two children, two grandchildren and a third grandchild on the way, has served in the Anglican Church for 30 years.

Most of that time was spent in Toronto, Canada, but as he was born in Bermuda and his mother is Bermudian, he said it was second nature to return to the Island. In total he has now served for eight years on the Island.

Archdeacon Doughty, who serves at St. Mary's Church in Warwick, said he was also pleased by the appointment, but also extremely humbled.

He said: "It's quite a lengthy process. This is just the first stage, but I am pleased and humbled and ask for the prayers of the Anglican Church for both of us and for both of our families."

At 51-years-old, he has served as Archdeacon for the past four years and has served for a total of 13 years in Bermuda and 26 years in total.

He is married with three children, one of whom is away at University in England.

Both men will now prepare their resumes and a statement with their vision for the Church for the clergy and the three members of each parish that form the House of Laity.

Then there will be an election called, which Rev. White said could be as early as September.