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February 2012

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The links below pertain specifically to the governing of the Diocese and its congregations.

If you're looking for Title IV documentation, please visit the Clergy Disciplinary Process page under Resources for Congregations and Clergy.

Diocesan Council

The Diocesan Council is a representative governing body of the Diocese which acts on behalf of the Diocesan Convention when it is not in session. Acting as an oversight governing body between conventions, the council meets regularly to ensure the smooth running of the Diocese. This includes:

  • Ensuring sound fiscal management and practices
  • Supporting and reviewing diocesan ministries: Christian eduction, social justice ministries and global mission
  • Other duties as requested by the bishop or the Diocesan Convention

Diocesan Council membership:

  • The Rt. Rev. M. Thomas Shaw, SSJE
  • The Rt. Rev. Gayle E. Harris
  • Theodore Ts'o, Treasurer
  • From each deanery:  one lay and one clerical member
  • Six members appointed by the bishop
  • Two representatives of the Diocesan Youth Council
  • One representative of the Cathedral Chapter
Attachment
File Diocesan Council Meeting Dates for 2012.pdf

Model Bylaws for Parishes

Sample parish by-laws which parishes may use to set up their own by-laws.

Attachment
File Model bylaws (Word format)

The Standing Committee

The Standing Committee advises the bishops, hearing bishops’ concerns and offering thoughtful and prayerful responses.  Standing Committee members also bring items of concern to the bishops for consideration and discussion.

The Standing Committee serves a number of canonical functions:

  • Reviews and approves bylaws of all congregations in the diocese and advises parishes on developing their congregational bylaws
  • Provides advice and consent for any sale, lien or encumbrance upon church and church-related property in the diocese
  • Participates in the formation and ordination process of those applying for holy orders, including applicant and postulant interviews
  • Receives and considers requests for consent to the ordination of all bishops elected in the Episcopal Church
  • Mediates when clergy and their congregations dissolve their pastoral relationship

The four lay and four clerical members of the Standing Committee are elected to four-year terms by Diocesan Convention, one clerical member and one lay member each year.

The Standing Committee meets monthly from September through June, generally on the second Thursday of the month.

Current Standing Committee members are:

Lay members
 Clergy members
 Term Expires
 Robin Preston, President  The Rev. Johanna Barrett, Vice-President  2012
 David Bergquist, Co-Secretary
  The Rev. Zenetta Armstrong, Co-Secretary  2013
 James Wagner
  The Rev. Mark McKone-Sweet  2014
 Sharon Li
  The Rev. Marya DeCarlen
  2015

Staff Assistant: Lois Murphey

Attachment
File Model bylaws for parishes (2001)