[Episcopal News Service] The Standing Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of Puerto Rico cancelled the election scheduled for Dec. 7, according to a Dec. 4 statement on the diocese’s website.

“It was an extremely difficult decision, but we consider it necessary for the present well-being and future of our diocese,” the statement said.

“Together we should open a space for reflection and discussion for the strengthening of our diocese. Together we can heal the wounds this process has generated between our brothers and sisters.

“We should remember that it’s not in our time, it should be in the time of God, under his eternal guidance and direction.”

An Election Assembly previously was scheduled to elect at bishop to succeed the Rt. Rev. David Alvarez who has reached retirement age on Sept. 7, but that election was postponed. On Sept. 4, the Standing Committee issued a statement rescheduling the election for Dec. 7.

In addition the statement says that the Standing Committee has asked the Rt. Rev. Wilfrido Ramos-Orench to serve as provisional bishop. Ramos-Orench, who served as bishop suffragan in the Diocese of Connecticut from 2000-06, previously served as a provisional bishop in the Diocese of Central Ecuador. He also serves as the Episcopal Church’s global partnerships officer for Province 9.