Standing Committee

Missionary Diocese of Navajoland

Position Description and Expectations

Overview of the Role

The Standing Committee of the Episcopal Church in Navajoland serves as the Bishop’s Council of Advice and, in the Bishop’s absence, the Ecclesiastical Authority of the diocese. It is composed of six members: two clergy, three laypersons, and one additional member who may be either. Members are elected for staggered terms and may serve up to two consecutive three-year terms.

The Committee provides counsel to the Bishop, consents to the election of bishops, reviews candidates for ordination, oversees property matters, and participates in clergy disciplinary processes. It also receives the Bishop’s resignation when applicable.

The Committee elects a President and Secretary. The President leads meetings, coordinates the annual plan, manages correspondence, and ensures records are maintained. Members are expected to attend regularly, engage respectfully, and support the governance and mission of the Church in Navajoland.

Role of the Standing Committee

Navajoland Canons state that:

Canon 10 STANDING COMMITTEE

9.1 There shall be a Standing Committee, which shall have the duties and powers and authority described in the Constitution and Canons of The Episcopal Church. The Standing Committee shall also serve as a Council of Advice for the Bishop.

9.2 Each annual Convention shall elect to the Standing Committee two (2) Diocesan clergy, three Diocesan lay people and one other either clergy or lay.

9.3 At the initial Convention of this Diocese, one clergy member will be nominated for a three-year term, and one for a two-year term. One lay member will be nominated for a three-year term; one for a two-year term; and one for a one-year term. The sixth member shall serve a one-year term. After the transition period, members will serve three-year terms. Members may serve two consecutive three-year terms. An elected member who has served two consecutive three-year terms shall not be eligible for re-election until one year shall have elapsed.
9.4 The Standing Committee will elect a President and Secretary.

The Standing Committee serves as the ecclestical authority of the diocese in the absence of a bishop:

• Serves as the bishop’s council of advice.
• Gives consent for all bishops elected in the Episcopal Church.
• Receives Commission on Ministry reports and recommends persons for ordination.
• Gives the bishop advice and consent on the purchase, sale, or encumbrance of any property held by a congregation or the diocese.
• Approves property transactions with the Bishop and the ECN council.
• Assures the checks and balances in the life of the diocese.
• Gives the bishop advice and consent to any judicial sentence given to a clergy person or concurs in alloeing a clergy person to cease functioning as a member of the clergy.
• Investigates and reports to the bishop on the charge that a deacon or priest has abandoned the Episcopal Church.
• Receives bishop’s resignation.

The Role of the Standing Committee President:

1. Coordinate with the membership of the Committee to establish the overall Standing Committee plan for the year – a meeting schedule and with committees and commissions and any other special events as appropriate.
2. Interact with the Bishop to identify any special needs or tasks to be addressed by the Standing Committee in support of the activities of the diocese and integrate such issues into Committee planning.
3. In collaboration with the Secretary establish agendas for each meeting of the body.
4. Preside over meetings of the Standing Committee, ensuring proper cultural values of order are followed in conducting the business of the Committee.
a. Is responsible for asking a participant to open the meetings with prayer.
b. Notification to Committee members about dates, times, and location of Committee meetings.
i. At least two weeks prior to the meeting, sets the meeting agenda, and send it out as a draft to all the Standing Committee members for comments. The comments are due back to the president one week prior to the meeting date. The president revise the agenda if necessary, and send it out the final agenda to the Committee at least 5 days prior to the meeting.
ii. The Chair will inform the Secretary to send the minutes a week before a scheduled meeting for review.
iii. The Standing Committee President is the Chair of the meeting, and may, if desired assign the role of Chair to another member of the Standing Committee.
iv. The Chair calls the meeting to order and reviews the agenda with the Committee and asks if there are any questions and/or comments about the agenda. Members may suggest additions. After the discussion, the President confirms that the agenda is set and calls the meeting to order.
v. The Chair enables the discussion on each agenda item.
vi. As the meeting reaches the ending, the Chair identifies any “left over” business and how that will be handled ( appoints a group to work on it and report back) or other suggestions from the group.
vii. The Chair ask for a member to say closing prayer or the whole group prays together. The Chair thanks and dismisses the committee.
5. Receive correspondence to the Committee, as collected to insure appropriate distribution, discuss and actions are taken on same, including consents, correspondence related to candidacy/final approval to Holy Orders and other documents or correspondence related to business of ECN requiring Standing Committee action, or approval/consent.
6. Ensure accurate records of Standing Committee proceedings are maintained and archived.
7. At the pleasure of the Bishop, provide any other Standing Committee support or council that may be helpful in furthering the mission of the Episcopal Church in Navajoland.
8. Prepare and submit the Standing Committee’s Annual Report to the Convocation.