From the Rev. Edie Weller, Nomination Committee:
The Nominations Committee is in the final weeks of conversation with those interested in potential nomination to serve on four of our diocesan leadership bodies. If you’re interested or would like to recommend someone for any of the positions listed below, please contact us as soon as possible. Our process concludes September 14 when we deliver the slate of nominees to Bishop Rickel. (Note: By our canons, individuals may be nominated up to the opening day of Diocesan Convention; however, those nominated after September 14 will not have their introductory materials in the convention booklet.)
Please be aware that there have been several changes in these openings in the last three weeks.
Open Positions for 2021 Diocesan Elections
The Nominations Committee is actively seeking a diverse group of qualified candidates for the following positions:
For Diocesan Council (terms vary by region, per the transition plan for Council developed after 2020 Diocesan Convention):
- Lay representatives from Eastside (3-year term), Willapa (3-year) and Sno-Isle (1-year)
- Clergy representatives from Mt. Baker (1-year), Holy C (3-year) and Columbia (3 year)
- Positions for Rainier (clergy) and Evergreen (Lay) (each 3 year) will be appointed by Bishop Rickel, per the Council’s transition plan.
For the Standing Committee (at-large representatives):
- 2 Lay representatives, one for 4-year term and one to fill unexpired 1-year term for current member who will step down at Convention (new development)
- 1 Clergy representative for 4-year term
For the Commission on Ministry: In fulfillment of Resolution 6 passed at the 2020 Diocesan Convention, the Commission will transition to a new structure comprised of both elected and appointed positions. This year, these 2 positions will be elected (with 3 other positions being appointed to the COM by the bishop).
- 1 Lay representative for 3-year term (* We originally posted this as two lay positions. That was an inadvertent error by the Nominations Committee convenor. The second lay position in question will be appointed instead of elected this year to the COM. Sincere apologies for any confusion from this mistake.)
- 1 Clergy representative for 3-year term
For our General Convention deputation: This year we’ll elect both lay and clergy nominees to fill vacancies in 3 alternate positions in our diocesan deputation to General Convention. This convention of the entire Episcopal Church will meet in July 7-14, 2022, in Baltimore, MD. Openings include:
- 4th Lay alternate deputy (age 18 or above)
- 3rd and 4th Clergy alternate deputies
Virtual Participation
GOOD NEWS! All four of these diocesan groups currently meet virtually via Zoom. Participating this way will continue as an option so that geography won’t be a barrier to taking part in diocesan governance. Good news for those living at any distance from Diocesan House!
Eligibility
All candidates for nominations must meet canonical requirements:
- In the Lay order, candidates must be adult communicants in good standing associated with a parish or mission congregation of the diocese.
- In the Clerical order, candidates for nomination must be canonically-resident in this diocese.
- Individuals may recommend themselves to the Committee for consideration as long as they meet the canonical – and for Diocesan Council, the geographic – requirements.
- The Committee seeks candidates who represent the full range of diversity in our diocese in terms of demographic aspects, experiences in leadership and with the Church, geographic location, and perspective.
The “Job Descriptions”
So, what are the responsibilities associate with each of these four groups?
Diocesan Council – Between annual Diocesan Conventions, this Council oversees the budget and program goals of the diocese, carrying out the priorities adopted by Convention. The Council develops a proposed budget to be ratified by the next Convention and monitors the current year’s budget. Council members interface with individuals and congregations, often accompanying the bishop on Sunday visitations, deepening connections across the diocese. They attend Diocesan Convention as voting members during their terms of office. Members also accept assignments, work on committees and task groups, and attend regional, committee, and commission meetings as necessary. The Council meets 6-8 times a year, usually Thursday afternoon, and attends up to two joint retreats with other governing bodies each year.
Standing Committee – The Standing Committee serves as an advisory council for the bishop on all matters, including decisions regarding real property throughout the diocese. Other responsibilities include interviews and consent regarding persons seeking ordination to the diaconate or priesthood. The Standing Committee has formal judicial responsibilities in cases of clergy misconduct. National and international responsibilities include giving or withholding consent to election of bishops across the Episcopal Church. The Standing Committee values prayerful deliberation, collaboration, and a strong commitment to working supportively with our bishop. The Standing Committee meets monthly, usually on Tuesday mid-day, and participates in two joint governance retreats each year.
Commission on Ministry – By the canons of The Episcopal Church, the Commission on Ministry assists the bishop in matters relating to the enlistment and selection of persons for ministry, in the guidance and pastoral care of all candidates for Holy Orders as well as lay professionals and other baptized persons, and in matters pertaining to lifelong learning.
General Convention Deputation – This group of elected deputies (8 Lay & 8 Clergy) represents our diocese, along with the bishop and others participating on committees and commissions of The Episcopal Church, at the triennial General Convention. The deputies meet several times prior to the GC meeting to receive orientation, get to know one another, review the anticipated agenda and resolutions, and coordinate travel plans. Deputies also take part in communicating details from General Convention with the rest of the diocese after their return.
Dates and Contacts for the Nominations Process
To recommend someone for nomination to any of these groups, please email the Committee at Nominations@ecww.org as soon as possible. The Committee will confirm the slate of nominees for election by Tuesday, September 14 (45 days prior to the proposed date of convention). Again, by canon, additional nominees may be recognized at convention.
Members of the Nominations Committee this year include Ms. Jan Akin (Willapa region), Mr. Wadell Brent (Evergreen), the Rev. Nic Mather (Columbia), Ms. Sylvia Sepulveda (Mt. Baker region & Circles of Color), and the Rev. Edie Weller (convenor, Holy C region & Circles of Color).
If you have questions about this process, please contact the Rev. Edie Weller at ebweller53@Q.com. Please refer to convention materials that will be posted on the diocesan website over the coming weeks. Thank you!
