Dear Companions on the Way,

On behalf of the Nominating Committee for the 210th 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 across the diocese on this slate of candidates. 

In compliance with the 209th Diocesan Convention Resolution R-2, all Diocesan newly elected individuals are required to participate in anti-racism training with one year of their election, and every five years thereafter. 

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
One lay or clergy (5 year term) 

Standing Committee Standing Committee | The Episcopal Diocese of Ohio
One lay (4 year term) and
One clergy (4 year term) 

Diocesan Council Diocesan Council | The Episcopal Diocese of Ohio
Two lay (3 year terms) and
Two clergy (3 year terms)

Episcopal Community Services Development Council Episcopal Community Services | The Episcopal Diocese of Ohio
Three lay (3 year terms) and
One clergy (3 year term)

Regional Disciplinary Board Regional Disciplinary Board | The Episcopal Diocese of Ohio
One lay (3 year term)

82nd General Convention Alternate Deputies General Convention Deputies | The Episcopal Diocese of Ohio
Four lay (3 year terms) and
Four clergy (3 year terms)

Provincial Synod Representative Provincial Synod Representative | The Episcopal Diocese of Ohio
Two lay (3 year terms) and
One clergy (3 year term)

Please use the online form to make nominations. More information on each of the positions may be found at dohio.org/nomination positions (or designated link next to each position listed above). 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 11, 2026.  

As a reminder, prior to Convention, the Southeast, South Central and West 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, connected in Beloved Community, seeking to be faithful, healthy, effective and sustainable sharers of the transformative love of Jesus. 

Please contact Halley Marsh, Chair, with any questions (halleytsmarsh@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,

Halley Marsh, Chair, St. Barnabas, Bay Village
Imani Driskell, All Saints, Toledo
Carol Loveless, Grace, Mansfield
The Rev. Andy McQuery, Christ Church, Oberlin
Toni Ponzo, Trinity Cathedral, Cleveland
Todd Rosenberg, St. Paul’s, Akron

Diocesan Trustees

The Diocesan Trustees, a group 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 (JIF). It also oversees real property of the Diocese, which has become a much larger part of 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)* includes:

• endowment funds of the Diocese
• funds received from parishes desiring professional management for their money
• funds derived from parishes receiving aid or extinct parishes, and other Diocesan funds and funds of parish organizations and other not-for-profit organizations affiliated with The Episcopal Church

Management of the Joint Investment Fund (JIF): Working with an investment advisor, the Diocesan Board of Trustees:

• Annually review and update the investment policy for the JIF and monitor compliance with the policy
• Review financial performance of JIF and evaluate performance of the investment advisor and individual managers
• As appropriate, make decisions on investment manager selection, including interviewing new advisor and manager candidates
• Periodically review the performance of the investment advisor and approve the investment advisor’s compensation.
• Set and annually approve the JIF Spending Policy vi. Oversee the Socially Responsible Investment Policy for compliance with both the JIF investment policy and the Diocesan policy to promote Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors vii. Work with Diocesan staff on promoting parish participation in the JIF and planned giving initiatives

Real Property of the Diocese

• Working with the Bishop and the newly formed Property Discernment Committee, the Board of Trustees oversees and approves the disposition of, and other appropriate actions related to, the real property of the Diocese in missions, parishes, and at the Diocese itself.
• Review and approve capital expenditures for all diocesan held properties, including Bellwether Farm.

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, with meeting materials emailed upon election. Trustees attend an overnight onboarding retreat at Bellwether Farm annually on the first Friday and Saturday in December 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 209th Diocesan Convention Resolution R-2, all Diocesan newly elected individuals are required to participate in anti-racism training within one year of their election, and every five years thereafter.

Gifts, Experiences, and Skills: The Diocese will benefit from having Trustees who:

• Can evaluate complicated business-related issues
• Possess knowledge of finance/investing or the law, or both
• Are passionate about furthering the mission and vision of the Diocese of Ohio through faithful use of its properties and finances
• Have experience providing input for decision making at both the local church and Diocesan levels

Recent Accomplishments:

• Approved the investment policy, including asset allocation
• Approved the JIF spending rule for 2026
• Accepted the JIF audit
• Established a centralized fund consolidating certain funds associated with closed parishes
• Continued management and oversight of the major restoration project at Historic St. John’s, Ohio City
• Worked with the Bishop and staff on transitioning Holy Trinity, Lisbon, to a local community based arts organization
• Entered discussions with the City of Salem and the Salem Historical Society on disposition of Church of our Savior, Salem

Standing Committee 

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: 

• 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. 
• Deals with property matters. All parish decisions to sell or encumber property must be approved by the Standing Committee.  
• 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.  
• Fulfills all functions required by the Constitution and Canons of The Episcopal Church and of the Diocese.  
• Designs and manages the search and election process when a new bishop is needed.  
• 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 onboarding retreat at Bellwether Farm with 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 onboarding retreat. Meetings are designed to be completed within an hour and a half. With the consent of the President of Standing Committee, members may join the meeting via Zoom. The meeting location varies as the Standing Committee tries to visit different parishes throughout the year, though some meetings are also at Trinity Commons.
• To assist in the 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 209th Diocesan Convention Resolution R-2, all Diocesan newly elected individuals are required to participate in anti-racism training within one year of their election, and every five years thereafter.

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:  

• Building a stronger relationship with Bishop Anne 
• Strengthening the information flow from Standing Committee to the diocese through summary reports published in the Diocesan Newsletter 
• Restating the relationship of church property to the Diocese, and the need to be in dialogue with the Chancellor and the Standing Committee when any property transfer or encumbrance is anticipated. 
• Members of SC participated with the Commission on Ministry in the interview process for aspirants and postulants, a more informed and supportive collaboration for both. 
• We continued to accept Notices of clergy transitions and approve Bishop elections. 

Diocesan Council

The Diocesan Council is responsible for the development, implementation, and oversight of the diocesan program and budget.

Between diocesan Conventions, the Council functions much like the “vestry” of the diocese, establishing policies and programs for congregational management in the form of business policies and practices. The Council screens and acts on all requests for capital funding and grants. The Diocesan Council is also responsible for the initiation and development of new work between sessions of the Annual Convention. Council members may be asked to serve on an additional diocesan commission or committee.

In 2025-26, Diocesan Council met in person quarterly on Saturdays (10:00-2:00), and via Zoom on the third Thursday of the intervening months, as necessary.

The Diocesan Council completed a Mutual Ministry Review (MMR) in December 2025, involving diocesan governing bodies and senior leadership. While Mutual Ministry Reviews are commonly used in congregations and clergy settings, this marked a new step for diocesan leadership: pausing together to reflect prayerfully on shared ministry, relationships, and priorities for the diocese.

The Diocesan Council:

• Serves as an advisory group to the bishop and the Diocesan staff on financial and other matters;
• Oversees the development of the Diocese’s operating fund budget and recommends the budget to Diocesan Convention for approval;
•  Provides guidance and oversight for the Diocese between conventions;
• Works in committees to support Diocesan staff and Diocesan ministries;
• 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 theDiocese’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 will attend an overnight onboarding retreat in December, 2026 at Bellwether Farm alongside members of other diocesan leadership bodies.
• For 2025-2026, Diocesan Council met in person quarterly on Saturdays (three hours each), the location and time for 2026-2027 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 209th Diocesan Convention Resolution R-2, all Diocesan newly elected individuals are required to participate in anti-racism training within one year of their election, and every five years thereafter.

Expectations:

• Diocesan Council members should be engaged and committed to developing the mission of theDiocese 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:

• The Diocesan Council continues to extend its role in shaping the strategic direction of the Diocese of Ohio. Accordingly, in 2025 the Council Developed the Diocesan core values: Faithful Tradition and Common Worship, Belonging and Common Life, Discernment and Transformation, and Courageous Witness and Justice.
• Oversaw the revision of R-2, the resolution regarding anti-racism training, as mandated by the 2024 Convention. Engaged College for Congregational Development models throughout the year to shape and deepen the work of Council.
• Confirmed a simplified parish audit schedule to better accommodate the changing needs of our faith communities.
• The Diocesan Council also continues to embrace its fiduciary role, granting final approval to the Diocese’s annual operating budget, the Bellwether Farm operating budget, annual diocesan audits, and parochial Loans & Grants applications.
• In 2025-2026, the Council approved Loans & Grants for capital improvement projects at St. Paul’s, Canton; St. Martin’s, Chagrin Falls; St. Luke’s, Chardon; and St. Paul’s, Oregon.
• To better engage and better appreciate the entire Diocese, the Council holds at least 2 of its quarterly in-person meetings at locations throughout the Diocese, and meets at least once a year at Trinity Cathedral. It meets, as necessary, via Zoom in the intervening months.

Approved minutes from Diocesan Council meetings are available for review by contacting Emily Czarnota in the Office of the Bishop. 

Episcopal Community Services (ECS) Development Council 

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 up to six times each year in full committee in person or by Zoom.  Members are expected to participate in grant site visits and accompanying reports as determined each year. Sub-groups are assigned after all grant applications are received each fall to review and develop recommendations for final review in full council. 
• Each member is expected to promote awareness of the work of ECS among our parishes and community. 

Requirements: 

• In compliance with the 209th Diocesan Convention Resolution R-2, all Diocesan newly elected individuals are required to participate in anti-racism training within one year of their election, and every five years thereafter.  

Recent Accomplishments:  

• In 2026, the Council granted nearly $158,000, distributed among 23 grant applicants, representing a diversity of ministries and missions across the Diocese. 
• All current grant recipients have had an in-person site visit conducted in the past three years by ECS council members, eight of these in 2026.
• Explored understanding of what all areas of ECS Development Council means to council  members.  Tools and forms for all ECS grants were updated and utilized effectively and consistently.

Regional Disciplinary Board Description

If there is a case involving potential clergy misconduct, the Regional Disciplinary Board is the pool of individuals from which are selected members of a Conference or Hearing Panel. The current Title IV canons seek to provide for appropriate and transparent accountability when clergy have committed some sort of misconduct. It also seeks to be built upon a model of reconciliation and healing, as opposed to confrontation. The Regional Disciplinary Board consists of 13members (seven clergy and six lay) comprised of one lay and one clergy representative from each of the following contiguous Dioceses: Northwestern Pennsylvania, Ohio, Pittsburgh, Southern Ohio, West Virginia, and Western New York. Each Diocese elects one lay and one clergy member on an alternating basis; the thirteenth member (clergy) is selected by the bishops of the six dioceses.

Requirements:

• The clergy members of the Board must be canonically and geographically resident within the Diocese, have been ordained to the order from which they were elected for five or more years, and not be, either at the time of election nor the five years prior to election, under sentence or pastoral direction.
• The lay members of the Board shall be adult communicants in good standing in the Diocese.
• All Regional Disciplinary Board members are required to complete training in Title IV matters, including the materials developed on the titleiv.org website.
• In compliance with the 209th Diocesan Convention Resolution R-2, all Diocesan newly elected individuals are required to participate in anti-racism training within one year of their election, and every five years thereafter.

Expectations:

• All Regional Disciplinary Board members are expected to serve when invited to participate in Conference or Hearing Panels until the conclusion of the disciplinary matter.
• Gifts, Experiences, and Skills:
• Facility to understand, interpret, and apply the Canons of the Church
• Ability to weigh varied and potentially conflicting evidence in discerning what has transpired, whether it is an infraction of the Canons, and what an appropriate response might look like.
• Ability to base decisions upon intellectual analysis, even in an emotionally charged context.

General Convention Alternate Deputy

General Convention Alternate Deputies are elected in the year prior to each General Convention. Clergy and lay members elected to this position serve as Alternate Deputies at the 81st General Convention in July 2027, and any Special General Convention between their election and the election of their successors. At General Convention, the Deputies 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, including a new Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church. Four (4) lay and four (4) clergy Alternate Deputies will be elected for three-year terms. The Deputies elected in 2025 and the first Alternate Deputy (Lay and Clergy) elected this year will attend General Convention, the expenses of which will be paid by the Diocese of Ohio. Other Alternates will attend should it be required by the absence of a Deputy. 

Expectations: 

The 82nd General Convention will take place from July 3 through July 8, 2027, in Phoenix, Arizona. Alternate Deputies will need to be available to attend during those dates. Alternate Deputies are also expected to attend deputation meetings held in preparation for General Convention. 

Requirements: 

• In compliance with the 209th Diocesan Convention Resolution R-2, all Diocesan newly elected individuals are required to participate in anti-racism training within one year of their election, and every five years thereafter.
• In addition, by action taken by the 80th General Convention, the Rules of the House of Deputies now require that all deputations report by February 2027 on the status of anti-racism received. All Deputies and Alternates will receive anti-racism training by February, 2027.

Gifts, Experiences, and Skills: 

• Analytical thinker 
• Experience and perspective

Provincial Synod Representative 

Province V is a network of eleven dioceses of The Episcopal Church in the Midwest region, providing a structure which facilitates its member dioceses' ability to collaborate together in ministry, whether it be in common projects, or through the sharing of resources, assets, opportunities, and experience.  In addition, Provincial regions also share in the governance of The Episcopal Church (per Title I, Canon 9 of The Episcopal Church). One of nine geographical provinces of The Episcopal Church, Province V (the Province of the Midwest) covers most of six states (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri (eastern), Ohio, and Wisconsin).  The Synod meets every three years.

Expectations: 

• Clergy and lay members elected to this position participate in the triennial Provincial Synod, which will be held online in the spring of 2027 [date tbd], and lasts roughly one hour. More information is available at provincev.org. 

Requirements: 

• In compliance with the 209th Diocesan Convention Resolution R-2, all Diocesan newly elected individuals are required to participate in anti-racism training within one year of their election, and every five years thereafter.

Gifts, Experience and Skills: 

• Analytical thinker 
• Experience and perspective of the church beyond the parish