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The Diocese of Ohio is part of the worldwide Anglican Communion represented in the United States by The Episcopal Church.
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Dear Companions on the Way,
On behalf of the Nominating Committee for the 209th Diocesan Convention, we write to invite your participation in the process of identifying clergy and lay members for consideration on the slate of candidates for vacancies in elected offices. The Constitution and Canons call us to consider a variety of experience and service. Our goal is to assemble nominations for individuals that will further Christian policies of, and concerns for, fairness, justice, and inclusiveness as outlined in the canons. Elected office holders shall be lay members in good standing or clergy canonically resident in this diocese. We hope to include representatives from all eight mission areas on this slate of candidates.
Please prayerfully consider who you might invite, including yourself, to fill one of the roles listed below:
Diocesan Trustee Trustees of the Diocese | The Episcopal Diocese of Ohio
Standing Committee Standing Committee | The Episcopal Diocese of Ohio
Diocesan Council Diocesan Council | The Episcopal Diocese of Ohio
Episcopal Community Services Development Council Episcopal Community Services | The Episcopal Diocese of Ohio
82nd General Convention Deputies
Please use the online form to make nominations. More information on each of the positions can be found below. In addition, the Constitution and Canons of the Diocese of Ohio may be referenced as a valuable resource.
The timeline for candidate bios to be included in pre-convention materials, including online platforms and the Convention Handbook, will require submissions to be received before September 8, 2025.
As a reminder, prior to Convention, the Southeast, Summit and North Central Mission Area Councils are to elect new representatives to Diocesan Council.
Our objective is to have a representative slate of leaders to further the mission and vision of our diocese over these next years, shaped by prayer, connection, joy and a shared sense of purpose.
Please contact The Rev. Debra Q Bennett, Chair, with any questions (revdebcoos@gmail.com).
Thank you in advance for putting forward candidates that may answer the call to do this work in the Church!
Faithfully, and with gratitude,
The Rev. Debra Q Bennett, Chair, Church Of Our Saviour, Akron
The Rev. Jeffrey Baker, Grace, Willoughby
Ms. Imani Driskell, All Saints, Toledo
Ms. Lois Jackson, St. Andrew’s, Cleveland
Ms. Carol Loveless, Grace, Mansfield
Overview:
The Diocesan Trustees, a board of five lay and clergy, is one of the governing bodies established by the Canons. It oversees management of, and has fiduciary responsibility for, the Diocese’s Joint Investment Fund. It also oversees real property of the Diocese, which has become a much larger part of the the Board’s work over the last several years. The Board of Trustees works closely with the Treasurer and the Chancellor.
Joint Investment Fund (JIF)*
Working with an investment advisor, the Diocesan Trustees:
1. Establish an investment policy for JIF and monitor adherence to the policy
2. Review financial performance of JIF and evaluate performance of individual investment managers
3. As appropriate, make decisions on investment manager replacement, including interviewing new manager candidates
4. Periodically review the performance of the investment advisor, annually approve the investment advisor’s compensation.
5. Set and annually approve the Fund Spending Rule
6. Oversee the Socially Responsible Investment policies, while monitoring compliance with the JIF investment policy and Diocesan policy to promote Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors
7. Work with Diocesan staff on promoting the endowment and planned giving initiatives
Real Property of the Diocese
1. Working with the bishop, the Board of Trustees makes decisions about the disposition of, and other appropriate actions related to, the real property of the Diocese in missions, parishes, and at the Diocese itself.
2. Review and approve capital expenditures for all diocesan held properties, including Bellwether Farm.
*JIF includes
Expectations:
Diocesan Trustees serve for a five-year term. The Diocese expects that a Trustee will attend all meetings and be prepared to discuss and make decisions, as appropriate, on agenda items in materials sent to them beforehand or provided at meetings.
Trustee meetings are held quarterly, normally at Trinity Commons in February, May, September, and November (other meetings are held as necessary). New members elected at Diocesan Convention attend their first regularly scheduled meeting the Tuesday following Convention, November 18, 2025, with meeting materials emailed upon election.
Trustees attend an overnight Leadership Retreat at Bellwether Farm on December 5-6, 2025 alongside members of other diocesan leadership bodies.
Trustees, along with Diocesan representatives and the JIF investment advisor, meet upon request with leaders of parishes that are interested in participating in the JIF.
Requirements:
In compliance with the 201st Diocesan Convention Resolution R-2, all Diocesan elected office holders are required to receive anti-racism training within one year of their assuming office.
Gifts, Experiences, and Skills:
The Diocese will benefit from having Trustees who:
1. Can evaluate complicated business-related issues
2. Possess knowledge of finance/investing or the law, or both
3. Are passionate about furthering the mission and vision of the Diocese of Ohio through faithful use of its properties and finances
4. Have experience providing input for decision making at both the local church and Diocesan levels
Recent Accomplishments:
1. Advised the bishop and staff on a possible community solar project in Wakeman
2. Continued to make direct ‘impact’ investments, currently in the renewable energy industry, working towards 10% of JIF assets
3. Review ongoing expenditures to assist in funding the rebirth of St. Barnabas, Bay Village
4. Advised the bishop and staff on the reimagination and repurposing of real estate no longer used for parochial purposes, being faithful to the stewardship of the church’s assets
Overview:
The Standing Committee is one of the three governing bodies of the Diocese, along with Diocesan Council and the Trustees.
The Standing Committee has the following specific responsibilities:
1. Serves as the bishop’s council of advice, bringing diocesan concerns to the bishop’s attention and responding to the bishop’s own thoughts and concerns.
2. Deals with property matters. All parish decisions to sell or encumber property must be approved by the Standing Committee.
3. Gives consent to candidacy and ordination of deacons and priests in the diocese and to the election of bishops in other dioceses of The Episcopal Church.
4. Fulfills all functions required of it by the Constitution and Canons of The Episcopal Church and of the Diocese.
5. Designs and manages the search and election process when a new bishop is needed.
6. Serves as the ecclesiastical authority when there is no bishop.
Expectations:
Standing Committee members serve for a four-year term and are expected to commit to working collaboratively with the bishop for the welfare of the Diocese. Members attend an overnight Leadership Retreat on December 5-6, 2025 at Bellwether Farm alongside members of other diocesan leadership bodies. They also attend an evening meeting during the annual retreat of the Commission on Ministry for collaboration and to build relationships with those in the ordination process. Occasionally, members are asked to attend diocesan regional meetings.
The Standing Committee meets monthly at a mutually agreeable time to be arranged during the Leadership Retreat. Meetings are designed to be completed within an hour and a half. With the consent of the President of Standing Committee, members who live some distance from Cleveland may, on occasion, join the meeting via Zoom.
To assist transition, the November Standing Committee meeting begins with a joint session between outgoing and newly-elected members usually following the close of Convention. New members also receive a summary of the previous year’s minutes and the annual report submitted at Convention.
Requirements:
Lay Standing Committee members must be adult communicants of The Episcopal Church in good standing. Clerical members must be entitled to a seat at Diocesan Convention.
In compliance with the 201st Diocesan Convention Resolution R-2, all Diocesan elected office holders are required to receive anti-racism training within one year of their assuming office.
Gifts, Experiences, and Skills:
The Diocese will benefit from Standing Committee members who are constructive, who know when to listen and speak, and who will respect the diverse views of this body and the diocese. Organization, leadership, and basic technical skills are also valuable.
Due to the Standing Committee’s function within the wider church, members will need to become familiar with the Constitution and Canons of The Episcopal Church and the Diocese of Ohio.
The Standing Committee benefits from having members drawn from parishes that are diverse in size and location.
Above all, members should have a deep faith in Jesus Christ and a commitment to the spread of the gospel.
Recent Accomplishments:
Over the last year, the Standing Committee spent significant time working with Bishop Jolly on topics of staff transitions, addressing Resolution R-2 concerns, sale of property, and building deeper connections across the diocese.
The Standing Committee met at various locations throughout the diocese and members are grateful to our host parishes.
Additionally, the committee worked with the Commission on Ministry to continue improving the care of those in the ordination process as well as making adjustments in the interview process, consented to various episcopal elections throughout The Episcopal Church, and consented to parish requests to alienate church property.
Overview:
The Diocesan Council:
1. Serves as an advisory group to the bishop and the Diocesan staff on financial and other matters
2. Oversees the development of the Diocese’s operating fund budget and recommends the budget to Diocesan Convention for approval
3. Provides guidance and oversight for the Diocese between conventions
4. Works in committees to support Diocesan staff and Diocesan ministries
5. Serves as liaison to parishes and mission areas of the Diocese
In recent years, the Diocesan Council has sought to develop a more active leadership role to engage the Diocese in programs which reflect the ethos of The Episcopal Church and the Diocese of Ohio. The Diocesan Council has sought to lead by example by participating in and promoting programs such as the Diocese's anti-racism training, "Seeing the Face of God in Each Other." The Council has actively sought to promote these programs within Mission Areas and within individual parishes.
The Council continues to oversee the development of the Diocese’s operating fund budget and recommends the budget to Diocesan Convention for approval. The Council continues to provide guidance and oversight for the Diocese between conventions. Members of Council serve as liaisons to parishes and mission areas of the Diocese. Council members collaborate as a learning community, working in committees, to support diocesan staff and ministries, oversee the development of the Diocese’s operating fund budget, and advise the bishop and the Diocesan staff on financial and other matters; such as future vision and the deployment of volunteer human resources. The Council also encourages, supports, and provides resources for mission area leaders.
The Finance Committee of Council reviews and makes recommendations to Council on applications from parishes for Loans and Grants for eligible capital projects.
Requirements:
Diocesan Council members serve three-year terms. Some are elected by Convention and others are elected by Mission Area Councils. Lay Council members must be confirmed adult communicants of The Episcopal Church in good standing. Clerical Council members must be canonically resident in the Diocese of Ohio. Members attend an overnight Leadership Retreat on December 5-6, 2025 at Bellwether Farm alongside members of other diocesan leadership bodies. For 2025-2026, Diocesan Council will meet in person quarterly on Saturdays (three hours each), the location and time for which will be determined at the December organizing meeting. A one-hour Zoom meeting will be scheduled on the third Thursdays of the intervening months, as necessary.
In compliance with the 201st Diocesan Convention Resolution R-2, all Diocesan elected office holders are required to participate in the diocese’s anti- racism training within one year of their assuming office.
Expectations:
Diocesan Council members should be engaged and committed to developing the mission of the Diocese of Ohio. They should have interpersonal and communication skills and possess a general working knowledge of basic financial matters and the structure of The Episcopal Church. Members should also be committed to fostering the welfare of all parishes and affiliated ministries in the Diocese.
Recent Accomplishments:
1. The Council has been actively engaging the bishop and her staff in the creation of a mission and vision for the Diocese of Ohio. A component of this has included the further integration of Bellwether Farm into that vision.
2. The Council assembled a small working group to build an “asset mapping” tool for elected leadership bodies to use in their work. The hope is to continue sharing asset mapping tools to further engage the breadth of gifts, passions, and talents in our diocesan community.
3. Council continued discussion about equipping parishes to hold difficult conversations about race.
4. The discernment and naming of core values was done both with the whole council and a smaller working group.
Overview:
Episcopal Community Services (ECS) Development Council assists parishes to apply for and receive financial support to create partnerships that strengthen communities, give in spiritual fidelity to God, and serve the world. The work of ECS is to review proposals, evaluate existing parish and community partnerships, and make recommendations for funding each year.
Expectations:
ECS Development Council members serve for a three-year term. Lay members must be confirmed adult communicants of The Episcopal Church in good standing. Clerical members must be canonically resident in the Diocese of Ohio.
ECS Development Council members meet four times each year in full committee at Trinity Commons or by Zoom. Council members reach out to grant recipients for site visits as determined appropriate for the funding year. Review committees are formed from all Council members to consider applications and comments from site visits in the fall. In November, Council members make recommendations for review in full committee to allocate available funds. Each member is expected to promote awareness of the work of ECS among our parishes and community. Council members advocate for and make a financial contribution to the Bishop's Annual Appeal as they are able.
Gifts, Experiences, and Skills:
The Diocese will benefit from ECS Development Council members who have a passion for outreach and a commitment to working with other members of the committee.
Requirements:
In compliance with the 201st Diocesan Convention Resolution R-2, all Diocesan elected office holders are required to receive anti-racism training within one year of their assuming office.
Recent Accomplishments:
1. In person site visits were conducted and documented for review access to all ECS Council members.
2. Determined best practices for application of the Diocesan Vision to the work of Episcopal Community Services.
3. Moving forward, ECS will enable sustained support for programs, noting priority on parish-centered progams for grant funding.
Overview
Clergy and lay members elected to this position serve as deputies at the 82nd General Convention, July 3-8, 2027, or any Special General Convention between their election and the election of their successors.
There is an important difference between deputies elected to General Convention and delegates who serve at our Diocesan Convention. Delegates are elected to represent the body who elects them by voting as that body believes. Deputies vote their conscience as led by the Spirit. Therefore, the gift of discernment is an important quality for General Convention Deputies.
General Convention is a gathering of the Episcopal Church every three years. Together the church prays together, builds relationships, discerns God’s call for the church at this time, and tend to the business of the church: consider amendments to the church’s Constitution and Canons, resolutions on ecclesiastical matters and social issues, adopt a budget for the ministry of The Episcopal Church, and hold elections to various offices in the wider church.
In the 209th Diocesan Convention in 2025, four (4) lay and four (4) clergy will be elected for three (3)-year terms. Alternate Deputies will be elected in 2026 (at the 210th Diocesan Convention). The Diocese of Ohio will pay the expenses of Deputies and first Alternate Deputy (Lay and Clergy) to attend General Convention. Other Alternates will attend should it be required by the absence of a Deputy.
Expectations:
The 82nd General Convention will take place July 3-8, 2027, in Phoenix, Arizona. Deputies will need to be available to attend during these dates. In addition to the six business days, deputies are expected to arrive in Phoenix two days early for preparatory meetings and in-person committee discussions.
Requirements:
In compliance with the 201st Diocesan Convention Resolution R-2, all Diocesan elected office holders are required to receive anti-racism training within one year of their assuming office.
Gifts, Experiences, and Skills:
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