Standing Committee

The Standing Committee serves as the ecclesiastical authority of the diocese in the absence of a bishop. It serves as the bishop’s council of advice. The Standing Committee is requested to give consent for all bishops elected in the Episcopal Church. It recommends persons for ordination. It gives the bishop advice and consent on the purchase, sale, or encumbrance of any property held by a congregation or the diocese. It gives the bishop advice and consent as to any judicial sentence given to a clergy person or concurs in allowing a clergy person to cease functioning as a member of the clergy. It investigates and reports to the bishop on the charge that a deacon or priest has abandoned the Episcopal Church. It also receives the bishop’s resignation.

Sales:

The Standing Committee must approve when a parish or mission seeks to sell property, including church buildings, land, or rectories.

Required documents

• Vestry/Bishop’s Committee approval
• Letter of intent including financial impact and ministry plan
• Property appraisal or valuation report
• Purchase agreement or sales contract
• Legal review of encumbrances or liens

Click here to submit a property sale request for approval

Mortgages and Loans:

The Standing Committee reviews and consents to any plans for parishes or missions to mortgage property or secure loans using Church property as collateral.

Required documents

• Vestry/Bishop’s Committee approval
• Letter of intent detailing loan purpose, financial impact, and ministry implications
• Loan application and proposed terms
• Financial Statements (past 3-5 years)
• Repayment plan with cash flow analysis
• Property appraisal and lien status

Click here to submit a Mortgage/Loan request

Leases:

Significant lease agreements, especially those involving long-term commitments or major financial or space obligations, require Standing Committee approval.

Required documents

• Vestry/Bishop’s Committee approval (Minutes)
• Letter of intent detailing lease purpose and impact
• Draft lease agreement including term length, renewal conditions, and liability terms
• Financial impact assessment
• Insurance documentation

Click here to submit a Lease Agreement for approval

Encumbrances:

Any action that places a lien or encumbrance on church property must be approved by the Standing Committee.

Required documents

• Vestry/Bishop’s Committee approval
• Details of the encumbrance
• Legal review of agreement
• Property status and valuation report
• Financial implications statement

Click here to submit an Encumbrance for approval

Improvements and Construction Projects

While minor improvements may not require Standing Committee approval, major construction or renovation projects  do, particularly if they involve new debt or external funding.

Required Documents

• Vestry/Bishop’s Committee approval
• Project proposal with architectural plans and specifications
• Detailed budget and funding sources
• Contractor bids or estimates
• Environmental and zoning approvals

Click here to submit a Construction/Improvement request

Standing Committee Roster 2024-2025

The Rt. Rev. Dr. Bonnie A. Perry
Julia Huttar Bailey
Gwyn Dugliss
The Very Rev. Jeanne Hansknecht
The Rev. Jadon Hartsuff
The Rev. Andrea Martin (Secretary)
John Messimer
Dale Scrace