Budget Committee
The Budget Committee accepts requests for funding from the diocesan budget, and works with the Finance Committee, the treasurer, and others to create a draft budget and to present the draft budget to Diocesan Council.
An understanding of budgets, mission, and the finances and ministries of the diocese are helpful for members of the Budget Committee.
An understanding of budgets, mission, and the ministry of the diocese are helpful for members of Diocesan Council.
Time Commitment:
The Budget Committee meets about monthly on a weekday evening via Zoom. The committee commences its work in May and concludes at the November convention.
In addition, members may have work to do between meetings, including communicating with staff and/or committee chairs.
Open Positions for election in 2026:
One lay person for a three-year term
One lay person for a two-year term
Diocesan Council
Diocesan Council reviews the budget, the Mission Share Formula and requests for review, implements convention resolutions and works with the bishop on ministry and mission decisions and directions for the diocese.
An understanding of budgets, mission, strategic planning and the ministry of the diocese are helpful for members of Diocesan Council.
Time Commitment: The Diocesan Council meets at least six times per year, per the canons. The dates for the 2026-2027 governing year are as follows:
- December 12, 10-11:30 on Zoom – New member orientation
- January 8-9 at Procter Center – Joint Governing Bodies Retreat
- April 10, 10-12:30 pm at Procter Center – Meeting
- June 5, 10-12:30 pm at Procter Center – Meeting
- August 7, 10-12:30 pm at Procter Center – Meeting
- September 18, 10-12:30 pm at Procter Center – Meeting
- November 6, 10-12:30 pm at Procter Center – Meeting
Zoom attendance is typically possible, though not preferred.
In addition, all members are encouraged to serve on a committee or as a liaison to other committees and commissions in the diocese. Those time commitments vary.
Open Positions for election in 2026:
One clergy person for a three-year term
One lay person for a three-year term
Standing Committee
The Standing Committee is the bishop’s Council of Advice and holds certain other responsibilities. They are required to review and approve requests from congregations to sell or encumber their property, people in the ordination process at several points before ordination, and requests from dioceses to hold elections for bishop and the consecrations of bishops. The Standing Committee also conducts the mutual ministry review with the bishop alongside the Diocesan Council and Diocesan Trustees.
An understanding of strategic planning, ministry, the needs of the diocese and the wider Episcopal Church are helpful for members of the Standing Committee
Time Commitment:
The Standing Committee meets via Zoom once a month, during the work week. The dates for the 2026-2027 governing year are as follows:
- December 10, 2026, 1-2 pm via Zoom – Meeting
- January 8-9 at Procter Center – Joint Governing Bodies Retreat
- January 14, 2027, 1-2 pm via Zoom – Meeting
- February 11, 2027, 1-2 pm via Zoom – Meeting
- March 11, 2027, 1-2 pm via Zoom – Meeting
- April 8, 2027, 1-2 pm via Zoom – Meeting
- May 13, 2027, 1-2 pm via Zoom – Meeting
- June 10, 2027, 1-2 pm via Zoom – Meeting
- July 8, 2027, 1-2 pm via Zoom – Meeting
- August 12, 2027, 1-2 pm via Zoom – Meeting
- September 9, 2027, 1-2 pm via Zoom – Meeting
- October 14, 2027, 1-2 pm via Zoom – Meeting
- November 11, 2027, 1-2 pm via Zoom – Meeting
Open Positions for election in 2026:
One clergy person for a three-year term
One lay person for a three-year term
Trustees of the Diocese
The Trustees of the Diocese oversee the management of diocesan and certain other investments and property owned by the diocese. The Trustees serve as the board of advisors to the bishop on the administration of the William Cooper Procter Memorial Fund.
An understanding of finance, investment strategy and the strategic use of financial resources are helpful for members of the Trustees of the Diocese.
Time Commitment: The Trustees of the Diocese meet quarterly during the work week in person in Cincinnati. Hybrid participation is possible. The dates for the 2026-2027 governing year are as follows:
- January 8-9 at Procter Center – Joint Governing Bodies Retreat
- March 3, 2027, 9:30-1 pm at the Diocesan Office or via Zoom – Meeting
- June 3, 2027, 9:30-1 pm at the Diocesan Office or via Zoom – Meeting
- September 2, 2027, 9:30-1 pm at the Diocesan Office or via Zoom – Meeting
Open Positions for election in 2026:
One lay person for a five-year term
Trustees of the Church Foundation
The Trustees of the Church Foundation are responsible for administering loans and funds for church buildings and oversight of some diocesan-owned properties.
An understanding of finance, building and contracting, and the strategic use of financial resources are helpful for those who serve as Trustees of the Church Foundation.
Bishop White invites Trustees of the Church Foundation to participate in the College for Congregational Development.
Time Commitment:
Trustees of the Church Foundation meet online quarterly during the work week. The dates for the 2026-2027 governing year are as follows:
- December 11, 2026, 1:30-3 pm via Zoom – Meeting
- Other dates TBD
Open Positions for election in 2026:
One person, clergy or lay, for a five-year term
Procter Center Board of Advisors
The Procter Center Board of Advisors advises on the operations and mission of the Procter Center and assists the bishop in strategic planning.
An understanding of the activities and ministries of the Procter Center and of the finances and administration of camps or conference centers is helpful for members of the Procter Center Board of Advisors.
Time Commitment:
The Procter Center Board of Advisors meets once a quarter at Procter Center. One of the meetings is an overnight retreat. The dates for the 2026-2027 governing year are as follows:
- January 29-30, 2027 at Procter Center – Board Retreat
- March 6, 2027, 10-1 pm at Procter Center – Meeting
- July 24, 2027, 10-1 pm at Procter Center – Meeting
- October 2, 2027, 10-1 pm at Procter Center – Meeting
In addition, there may be additional work or subcommittee meetings between regular meetings of the board.
Open Positions for election in 2026:
One person, clergy or lay, for a three-year term
Disciplinary Board
The Disciplinary Board holds a specific role as part of the facilitation of complaints made under Title IV of the Canons of the Episcopal Church. Southern Ohio participates in a Disciplinary Board with the Dioceses of Northwestern Pennsylvania, Ohio, Pittsburgh, Western New York and West Virginia.
An understanding of Title IV of the Canons of the Episcopal Church and an ability to operate confidentially are helpful for members of the Disciplinary Board.
Time Commitment:
The time commitment for this body varies widely, depending on whether there are active Title IV cases that would reach this step in the disciplinary process. At minimum, members should expect to complete required training in church canons and onboarding procedures for the board in addition to an introductory meeting. Only when and if a case is assigned to the Disciplinary Board, the frequency and volume of meetings will increase.
Open Positions:
One clergy person for a three-year term
One lay person for a one-year unexpired term
