Peterborough resident Reverend Ed Cardoza was elected as the 11th bishop of the Episcopal Church of New Hampshire.
The diocese chose Bishop-elect Cardoza from a slate of three nominees in the second round of voting. He received 55 votes from clergy order and 76 votes from lay representatives at the annual convention on Oct. 24.
He’ll succeed Robert Hirschfeld, who is retiring.
“It is with profound joy that I accept the call to serve as the 11th bishop of the Episcopal Church of New Hampshire. To be called to this ministry is a sacred privilege that I accept with a humbled heart, deeply aware of both the immense responsibility and the extraordinary work that lies ahead,” Cardoza said. “I look forward to ministering across our diocese, united in one Lord, one faith, one baptism. Together as lay and ordained siblings, we will continue to center Jesus and boldly live into New Hampshire’s prophetic tradition — bringing the courageous love of the gospel to all of our neighbors.”
Cardoza and his spouse, Albert Cummings, a retired carpenter, are known in the Peterborough area for restoring the George and Jane S. McCrillis House at 181 Grove Street. Built in 1826, the house had been unoccupied for eight years when the couple purchased it in 2022, and according to Cardoza’s research, it may have been a stop on the Underground Railroad. Cardoza spoke about the process of restoring the home at a presentation sponsored by the Peterborough Heritage Commission in 2025.
Cardoza, originally from East Boston, currently serves as priest-in-charge of Grace Episcopal Church in Manchester. He holds a Master of Arts degree in ministry from Saint John’s Seminary in Brighton, Mass., and his previous ministry includes extensive lay and ordained leadership in greater Boston and for the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts. He also has experience in health and outreach work in Haiti and Rwanda.
The Episcopal Church of New Hampshire serves approximately 10,000 members in 46 congregations, including eight seasonal chapels, across the state.
Hirschfeld, who has served as bishop for 14 years, said he looks forward to working with Cardoza during the transition period.
“I am confident that Rev. Ed will lead the Episcopal Church of New Hampshire into its next chapter of witness to God in Christ,” Hirschfeld said. “The Holy Spirit knows this diocese deeply and has clearly shown us God’s wisdom. It will be a joy to walk with Rev. Ed in the months ahead and share the many gifts of this remarkable diocese as he prepares for consecration as bishop. I have found serving God’s people here to be the honor and privilege of my life, and I believe Rev. Ed will, too.”
The ordination and consecration of the 11th bishop of New Hampshire will take place March 6, 2027, at Rollins Chapel in Hanover, with the Most Rev. Sean Rowe, presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, officiating.