A Mississippi native who is dean of a Kentucky cathedral has been elected as the 11th bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana.

The Rev. Morris Thompson was one of six candidates considered Saturday by Episcopal clergy and lay representatives at Christ Church Cathedral in New Orleans.

He succeeds Bishop Charles E. Jenkins, who has served since 1997 and will retire in January. The diocese covers eastern Louisiana.

Thompson, originally from Cleveland, Miss., is dean of Christ Church Cathedral in Lexington, Ky., where he attended Lexington Theological Seminary.

If a majority of U.S. Episcopal bishops and diocesan standing committees approve within 120 days of getting notice, Thompson will be consecrated on May 8 at Christ Church Cathedral.