Standing Committee

The Standing Committee plays a vital leadership role in the life of the Diocese. Working alongside the Bishop, this group helps guide key decisions, support clergy and congregations, and ensure that diocesan governance stays on track.

• Who Serves

  The Committee is made up of both clergy and lay leaders:

  • 12 Elected Members – 6 clergy and 6 laypeople, chosen by the Synod for staggered three-year terms. Members can serve up to two consecutive terms.

  • 2 Appointed Members – The Bishop may appoint 1 clergy and 1 layperson to serve one-year terms.

  • Diocesan Officers – The Chancellor and Treasurer are appointed members and have voice in committee meetings but no vote.

  • The Bishop – Serves as Presiding Officer of the Committee.

  To ensure diverse and healthy leadership, no one may serve more than six years within any nine-year period.

• Eligibility

  • Lay members must be active, confirmed (or received) members of a congregation or mission in the Diocese.

  • Clergy members must be under the Bishop’s authority.

• Meetings

  The Standing Committee meets monthly on the third Wednesday from 2–4:30 PM, typically at All Saints’ Church in Woodbridge, or via Zoom if needed.

• What the Committee Does

  The Standing Committee has several key responsibilities:

  • Advises the Bishop as a council of advice.

  • Serves as the Ecclesiastical Authority in the Bishop’s absence.

  • Reviews Applications for:

    • Congregations or missions seeking to join the Diocese.

    • Individuals applying for ordination to the Diaconate or Presbyterate.

  • Acts as the Executive Committee of the Synod.

  • Handles Nominations for most elected diocesan offices.

  • Fills Vacancies within the Committee as needed until the next Synod.

  • Elects the Diocesan Treasurer each year.

  • Carries out other duties as assigned by the Bishop.

• Current Membership

  Bishop Chris Warner, Chair

  Class of 2025
  John Palafoutas
  The Rev. Amy Rowe
  Allan Sharrett, Interim Chancellor
  Rev. Vivian Hayes**
  Kevin Marshall*
  Dondie McNickle**
  Rev. Bob Ragan*

  Class of 2026
  The Rev. Eric Hornbuckle
  Jim Oakes
  The Rev. Dr. Morgan Reed

  Class of 2027
  Heather Adams
  Rev. Scott Bailey
  Scott Thompson
  Rev. Brian Vander Wel

  *Appointed by the bishop for a one-year term.

  **Appointed by the Standing Committee for a one-year term.

“There shall be a Standing Committee of the Diocese that shall perform those duties required by the Constitution and Canons of the Province and of the Diocese. In addition to the Bishop, the Standing Committee’s voting membership shall be composed of an equal number of clergy and laity, whether elected by the Synod or appointed by the Bishop, as provided by Canon. Membership with voice only may be authorized by Canon.”

— Article VIII