Standing Committee

The Standing Committee of the Diocese of California consists of four lay members and four clergy members of the diocese elected by the annual Diocesan Convention and authorized by the Constitution and Canons of The Episcopal Church. Each year one new lay and one new clergy member are elected to replace retiring members. The Constitution and Canons of the Diocese of California specify membership, duties, and authority of the Standing Committee. One of the Standing Committee’s major responsibilities is to serve as the Bishop’s Council of Advice; the Canons also give the Committee broad responsibilities for oversight of diocesan affairs.

In addition to advising the bishop, the Standing Committee has responsibilities involving such varied matters as the disposition of property, the election and consecration of bishops, ecclesiastical discipline as defined in Title IV, and the approval of candidates for ordained ministry. Furthermore, the Standing Committee oversees the processes of diocesan governance, the bishop’s compensation, and the nominations process for elected diocesan positions. Contact information for each member follows below.

The Standing Committee begins each meeting with prayer, and asks members of the diocese to pray for Standing Committee, its work, and ministry.

For the Diocese (BCP p. 817)
O God, by your grace you have called us in this diocese to a goodly fellowship of faith. Bless our Bishop Marc, and other clergy, and all our people. Grant that your Word may be truly preached and truly heard, your Sacraments faithfully administered and faithfully received. By your Spirit, fashion our lives according to the example of your Son, and grant that we may show the power of your love to all among whom we live; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.

Meeting Dates