COMMITTEES

Diocesan business depends on the contributions of volunteers who are elected or appointed to numerous committees that help to share and carry out the mission of the diocese.  Below you will find a list of all of our committees and their members.  The work of these committees, made up of both clergy and laity, help set priorities, establish policies and procedures and support congregations throughout the diocese.

CONVENTION OFFICERS, COMMITTEES, COMMISSIONS, AND BOARDS

(Committees, Commissions, and Boards established by the Constitution and Canons )

OFFICERS OF THE CONVENTION

President: The Rt. Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, Bishop of Washington
Chancellor: John Van De Weert
Secretary: Keith Roachford
Treasurer of the Convention: Jonathan Nicholas

EX OFFICIO MEMBERS OF THE CONVENTION

With Vote:

Chair of the Finance Committee: Joe Alcock
President of Episcopal Church Women: Dr. Patricia Taitt

Without Vote:

Historiographer: Susan Stonesifer
Lay Members of Standing Committee: (see committee list)
Lay Members of the Committee on the Constitution and Canons: (see committee list)
Lay Members of Diocesan Council: (see committee list)
Chairs of Diocesan Council and Convention Committees: (see committee list)
Lay Deputies to the General Convention: (see committee list)

STANDING COMMITTEE

The Standing Committee serves as a council of advice to the bishop; approves various stages for people in the process toward ordination; considers requests from parishes to sell or encumber property; in the absence of a bishop, serves as ecclesiastical authority. Members are elected by the Diocesan Convention.

Term to Expire at 2025 Convention:

  • The Rev. Dr. Maria Kane
  • The Rev. Jonathan Graham
  • Matt Klaus
  • Kay Pierson

Term to Expire at 2026 Convention:

  • The Rev. Meredith Heffner
  • The Rev. Marilyn Jenkins
  • Iona Harrison
  • Greg Lebel

DEPUTIES TO GENERAL CONVENTION

The diocese elects four clergy and four lay deputies to represent the diocese at the General Convention every three years as members of the House of Deputies. They are elected at the Diocesan Convention that takes place in the year preceding the General Convention.
(Listed in order of election)

Clerical

  • The Rev. Glenna J. Huber, Chair
  • The Rev. Joan Beilstein
  • The Rev. Yoimel González Hernández
  • The Rev. Gregory C. Syler

Lay

  • Anton Vanterpool, II
  • Matt Taylor
  • Mary Neznek
  • Nathan Brown

ALTERNATE DEPUTIES TO GENERAL CONVENTION

The diocese elects four clergy and four lay alternate deputies to represent the diocese at the General Convention every three years to serve as alternate members of the House of Deputies. They are elected at the Diocesan Convention that takes place in the year preceding the General Convention. (Listed in order of election.)

Clerical

  • The Rev. Susan Fritz (2026)
  • The Rev. David Wacaster (2026)
  • The Rev. Dr. Sheila McJilton (2026)
  • The Rev. Emily Lloyd (2026)

Lay

  • Erika Gilmore (2026)
  • Cheryl Peterson (2026)
  • Andi Pringle (2026)
  • Jason Crighton (2026)

DELEGATES TO TRIENNIAL MEETING OF EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMEN

  • Royan Miller
  • Patricia Taitt

ALTERNATE DELEGATES TO TRIENNIAL MEETING OF EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMEN

Margaret Gordon

DEPUTIES TO PROVINCIAL SYNOD

Deputies to the Provincial Synod are elected to represent the diocese at meetings of Province III. One clergy and two lay are elected at the Diocesan Convention occurring the year preceding General Convention. (Listed in order of election)

Clerical

The Rev. David Wacaster

Lay

  • Dr. Enid LaGesse
  • Gerry Perez

ALTERNATE DEPUTIES TO PROVINCIAL SYNOD

Alternate deputies are elected to represent the diocese at meetings of Province III. They are elected at the Diocesan Convention in the year preceding the General Convention, at the same time as the deputies — one clergy and two lay. (Listed in order of election)

Clerical

  • The Rev. Glenna Huber
  • The Rev. David Wacaster
  • The Rev. Betsy Carmody
  • The Rev. Gregory C. Syler

Lay

  • Iman Green Syler
  • Michele Glidden
  • Nathan Brown

DIOCESAN COUNCIL

The Diocesan Council is the governing board of the Diocese. Members serve a 3-year term, renewable once. Each region elects 1 clergy and 1 lay member, 2 clergy and 2 lay at-large members are elected at the annual meeting of the Convention, and the Bishop appoints 3 members. Also, the officers of Convention serve ex officio.

Click here for a list of current Diocesan Council members.

AUDIT COMMITTEE

The Audit Committee’s primary duties and responsibilities are to: (1) Serve as an independent and objective party to monitor the financial reporting procedures and processes of the Diocese, financial control systems and to monitor and encourage compliance with established policies and best business practices in general; (2) Engage, review and evaluate the audit efforts of external auditors and review and evaluate Diocesan staff having responsibility for financial management; and (3) Provide and encourage open communication on financial matters among the external auditors, members of Diocesan staff , the Finance Committee of Diocesan Council and Diocesan Council. Members are appointed by the Bishop and Diocesan Council.

  • Charles Lundelius, Chair
  • Jonathan Nicholas, Treasurer
  • James Jones
  • Paula E. Singleton
  • Patrick J. Summers

Staff: The Rev. Canon Andrew Walter

COMMITTEE ON CONSTITUTION AND CANONS

This committee considers and carries out requests requiring changes to the Constitution or Canons of the Diocese, and other related matters. Members are appointed at each annual meeting of the Convention, with four clergy members, and four lay members who are attorneys.

  • Anthony Coe, Chair
  • The Rev. Sarah Duggin
  • The Rev. Carol Cole Flanagan
  • The Rev. Gregory Syler
  • Lee Davis
  • Elizabeth Lee
  • David Schnorrenberg

Ex Officio: John Van De Weert, Jr., Chancellor
Ex Officio: Keith Roachford, Secretary

DISCIPLINARY BOARD

The Disciplinary Board carries out Title IV functions — the clerical discipline canons of The Episcopal Church. The committee has five clergy and four lay members appointed by the Bishop with the consent of the Convention. The term length is three years.

Clerical

  • The Rev. Patricia Phaneuf Alexander, President (2025)
  • The Rev. Sari Ateek (2026)
  • The Rev. James Isaacs (2027)
  • The Rev. Sarah Odderstol (2025)
  • The Rev. Melana Nelson-Amaker (2027)

Lay

  • Michael Armstrong (2025)
  • Iona Harrison (2026)
  • Keith Roachford (2026)
  • Matthew Taylor (2026)

FINANCE COMMITTEE

The Finance Committee is responsible for preparing and monitoring of the annual operating budget. It makes recommendations to the Bishop and Standing Committee concerning requests for sales or encumbrances of real property of parishes and separate congregations. Appointments are made by the Bishop and Diocesan Council.

  • Joe Alcock (2026), Chair
  • Lisa Ahuja (2026)
  • Antonio Baxter (2025)
  • Allison Hinds (2027)
  • Phil Horne (2026)
  • JB Meek (2027)
  • Layard Pabs-Garnon (2025)
  • Kathleen Staudt (2027)
  • Jordan Rippy (2025)

Ex Officio: Jonathan Nicholas, The Rt. Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde

Staff: The Rev. Canon Andrew Walter, Kelly Cooper

INVESTMENT COMMITTEE

The Investment Committee was established in order to provide professional supervision of the investment funds belonging to parishes, separate congregations, missions, and the Diocese which are invested in the Diocesan Investment Fund. Appointments are made by the Bishop and Diocesan Council.

  • Ellen Fishwick Martin, Chair
  • Bob Bremner
  • Kate Carr
  • Terence Collins
  • Jeremiah J. deMichaelis
  • Paul Gambal
  • Anthony Gould
  • Nicholas Haffenreffer
  • Wardell Townsend
  • Gay Truscott

Staff: The Rev. Canon Andrew Walter

COMMISSION ON MINISTRY

This committee is mandated by both the Canons of the General Convention (Title III, Sec. 2) and by our own Diocesan Canons . This committee supervises the ministry of the baptized, both lay and ordained, and are appointed with the consent of Convention.

Clergy

  • The Rev. Patricia Alexander (2026)
  • The Rev. Joan Crittenden (2025)
  • The Rev. Shawn Evelyn (2026)
  • The Rev. Debbie Kirk (2026)
  • The Rev. Linda Mahler (2026)
  • The Rev. Jim Quigley (2025)

Lay

  • Dora Currea, Chair (2025)
  • Deborah Brown (2026)
  • Erica Mitchell (2027)
  • Michael Sherman (2026)

Staff: The Rev. Canon Robert Phillips, The Ven. Steve Seely

RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE

The Resolutions Committee receives, considers and evaluates proposed resolutions for the annual meeting of the Convention. The members are appointed annually at each annual meeting of the Convention, and consist of not less than two clergy and two lay.

Clergy

  • The Rev. Peter Antoci
  • The Rev. Martha Jenkins
  • The Rev. David Wacaster

Lay

  • Dr. Linda Freeman
  • Erika Gilmore
  • Marion Helfrich

Ex Officio: Keith Roachford
Staff: The Rev. Canon Andrew Walter

PROGRAM COMMITTEES

CREATION CARE COMMITTEE

This task force serves as a resource for congregations and our collective diocese to create lasting change and deepen our commitment to care for all of creation.

  • The Rev. Melissa Sites, Chair
  • Diane Perine Coon
  • Reid Detchon
  • The Rev. Catharine Gibson
  • Teresa Hobgood
  • Jane Houlihan
  • Doug Holy
  • Joanne Hutton
  • Mary McCarthy
  • Abbott McCartney
  • The Rev. Mary Sebold
  • Donna Stinchcomb

Staff: Rudy Logan

HOLY LAND COMMITTEE

This Committee was formed to respond to the challenges faced by the Diocese of Jerusalem,
focusing on education, health care and advocacy. The relationship is originally defined as
lasting 3 years. Appointed by the Bishop and Council.

Tom Johnson, Chair
The Rev. Anne Derse
The Rev. Nancy Hildebrand
Vicky Bocock
Marina Buhler-Miko
James Cobey
Steve France
Tracy Dieter
Karen Getman
Tom Getman
Dana Grubb
Peter Hildebrand
Lois Herrmann
Patty Johnson
Judy Kane
Ann Loikow
Anne Lynn
Kathryn Pharr
Amelie Porter
Grace Said
Lisa Sams
Maureen Shea
John Van Wagoner
Greg Wood
Lynn Wood

Ex Officio: The Rt. Rev. Suheil Dawani

COMMITTEE ON HUMAN RESOURCES

This committee was created by Bishop and Council in 2005 to examine and monitor human resource issues concerning clergy and lay employees in the Diocese of Washington, and when appropriate, recommend changes in procedures, human resources policies or insurance plans to the Diocesan Council, and where appropriate, be responsible for holding hearings around the Diocese or otherwise communicating changes in benefits or procedures. Appointments are made by the Bishop and Council.

Jennifer Luna, Chair
The Rev. Patricia Alexander
The Rev. John Kellogg
Nadireh Majied

Staff: Kathleen Hall

PRISON MINISTRY TASK FORCE

We seek to engage and transform the carceral and justice systems that impact all people in our country. We will support Episcopalians and community partners to find engaging, loving and tangible ways to uplift and impact the lives of returning citizens and break down barriers to successful reentry.

Staff: Rudy Logan

REPARATIONS COMMITTEE

The Diocese is taking its next steps towards addressing its historical involvement in anti-Black racism.  The Reparations Committee has two working groups: the Policy Working Group, and the Education Working Group.

Policy Working Group:

  • The Rev. Glenna Huber, Committee Chair
  • Ms. Erika Gilmore, Assistant Chair
  • The Rev. Antonio J. Baxter
  • Mr. George Economy
  • Ms. Embry Martin Howell
  • The Rev. Melanie Mullen
  • Ms. Andrea Pringle
  • Mr. Anton Vanterpool

Education Working Group:

  • Ms. Gigi Nelson, Committee Chair
  • The Rev. Gayle Fisher-Stewart
  • The Rev. Peter Jarrett-Schell
  • Ms. Caroline Klam
  • Ms. Karen May
  • Ms. Cathy O’ Donnell
  • Mr. Franklin Robinson
  • Ms. Antoinette Schooler
  • Ms. Susan Schulken
  • Ms. Gabby Whitehurst
  • The Rev. Creamilda Yoda

Staff: Rudy Logan

DIOCESAN RETREAT COMMITTEE

The Diocesan Retreat Committee (formerly the Diocesan Retreat Association) was created in 1967 by Bishop Paul Moore for the purpose of sponsoring, organizing, coordinating or conducting retreats for members and clergy of all congregations in the Diocese of Washington. Appointments are by the Bishop and Diocesan Council.

  • The Rev. Lesley Krauland, Chair
  • Margaret Guthrie
  • Ed Loucks
  • Elizabeth Terry
  • Sister Patricia Terry
  • Susan Walker
  • Clifford Wooldridge

SOUTHERN AFRICA LINK COMMITTEE

The Southern Africa Link Committee (formerly known as the Partnership with Southern Africa Committee), was created by resolution at the 2004 Convention (following a year of study in 2003 as a task force) to coordinate the partnership between the Diocese of Washington and the Church of the Province of Southern Africa in responding to the challenges of theological education, HIV/AIDS, women’s issues, advocacy, with US government decision making entities, economic and social justice, racial reconciliation, and liturgy and music. Appointments are made by the Bishop and Diocesan Council.

  • P. Abbott McCartney, Chair
  • The Rev. Elizabeth Hague
  • The Hon. Cynthia G. Efird
  • Sigrid Block
  • Alicia Cordelle
  • Ian Glenday
  • Mary McCarthy
  • Juanita White

ST. MARY'S SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE

This fund provides scholarships to minority students residing in St. Mary’s County in support of their college expenses.

  • Ms. Regina Bowman-Goldring, Co-Chair
  • Ms. Karen Lowry, Co-Chair
  • The Rev. John A. Ball
  • Ms. Latasha Baker
  • Mr. Kelsey R.M. Bush
  • The Rev. Christopher I. Wilkins

Staff: Mildred Reyes

Ethan Bishop-Henchman Happy Pride Month
Achideacon Sue and Dean Yoimel presenting a conference in the Association of Episcopal Deacons about Multicultural Formation for the Diaconate