Episcopal Bishop Nominee Withdraws

The Very Rev. Alan W. Jones, one of five nominees to become bishop of the six-county Los Angeles Diocese of the Episcopal Church, has withdrawn his name from consideration for the position.

Ruth Nicastro, a spokeswoman for the diocese, said Jones has informed church officials here that he has decided to stay in his post as dean of Grace Cathedral in San Francisco.

The new bishop will be elected at a special convention Jan. 8-9.

The remaining four nominees are the Very Rev. Frederick H. Borsch, dean of the chapel at Princeton University; the Rev. Canon Lloyd Stuart Casson, an associate dean of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, New York City; the Rev. Thomas F. Pike, rector of the parish of Calvary, Holy Communion and St. George, New York City; and the Rev. James A. Trimble, rector of Christ Church, Philadelphia.