The Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts on Thursday announced its five candidates for the June 2 election of the ninth bishop of the diocese.

Three candidates are from the northeast and two are from the Western U.S. The oldest candidate is 60, while the youngest is 49. There is one in woman in the group.

The election will take place at Christ Church Cathedral in Springfield.

Because the election falls within 120 days of the start of the July meeting of the Episcopal Church's 77th General Convention, it must consent to the bishop-elect's ordination, the diocese said.

The election comes after Rt. Rev. Gordon Paul Scruton announced in Juen of last year he would retire in December 2012 after 16 years of service as bishop.

The candidates are:

The Very Rev. Richard A. Demarest, 55, dean, St. Michael's Cathedral, Boise, Idaho (Diocese of Idaho)
The Rev. Dr. Douglas John Fisher, 57, rector, Grace Church, Millbrook, New York (Diocese of New York)
The Rev. Nancy Gossling, 60, rector, St. James' Church, Glastonbury, Connecticut (Diocese of Connecticut)
The Very Rev. Ron W. Griffin, 58, rector, Christ Church, Eureka, California (Diocese of Northern California)
The Very Rev. Mark B. Pendleton, 49, dean, Christ Church Cathedral, Hartford, Connecticut (Diocese of Connecticut)

The diocese has prepared a background document with detailed information about each candidate. Click here to see the document.