Governance
The Episcopal Diocese of Rochester, like all members of the Episcopal Church, employs a shared model of governance in which our bishop, elected and appointed clergy, and laity work together to discern God’s plan for us in the region. Our vision is Joy in Christ, a way of life; our mission is to grow and develop congregations spiritually, numerically, and in missional leadership. We practice this through radical hospitality, thoughtful engagement, and passionate spirituality.
The Episcopal Church & Anglican Communion
Each local church is connected, not only to each Episcopal church in the geographical area of our diocese, but to our Province II neighbors, The Episcopal Church in the US and twelve other countries, and to the world-wide Anglican Communion. Democratically elected representatives and our bishop are the bonds of our unity, meeting yearly as a diocese, every three years nationally, and every ten years internationally. We gather to worship, learn, and strengthen our relationships so that our ministry and service together covers the whole earth.
Bishop: Rt. Rev. Kara Wagner Sherer
As chief executive of the Episcopal Diocese of Rochester, the Rt. Rev. Kara Wagner Sherer is responsible for guiding the Diocese towards its mission and vision. The bishop also serves as pastor to all clergy of the Diocese and shares, along with other judicatory heads, in seeing to the spiritual well-being of all people in the region. As a member of the House of Bishops, Bishop Wagner Sherer participates actively in the leadership of the Episcopal Church.
Annual Legislature: Diocesan Convention
Every year, the Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Rochester meets to vote on the budget of the Diocese and resolutions related to the direction, growth, and life of the Church. The convention also elects members to the Diocese’s elected governance bodies (see below). It is composed of lay and clergy delegates elected from every church in the Diocese.
Constitution & Canons
Revised and adopted in the Conventions of 1952, 1954, 1955, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2021 and 2025 the Constitution & Canons establish the governance of the Episcopal Diocese of Rochester and define the Rules of Order for Convention.
Adopted in General Conventions 1789-2024 Revised by the 81st Convention.
Monthly Governance: Diocesan Council
The Diocesan Council serves as the executive body of the Episcopal Diocese of Rochester between annual Diocesan Conventions and acts in accordance with the directives of the Diocesan Convention. Diocesan Council performs the work of the Diocese committed to it by the Convention; assists the Bishop with new work between Conventions; formulates the annual budget as directed by the Convention; establishes apportionment; organizes departments and determines their scope; and requests reports/statements from parishes and missions as needed. It is composed of elected clergy and lay members from the Diocese’s districts, as well as at-large members who represent the entire Diocese.
The Standing Committee
The Standing Committee acts as the Bishop’s Council of Advice; approves actions that encumber real property/equipment of the church; approves indebtedness for current expenses; approves requests to elect bishops; approves the election of bishops; and approves candidates for Holy Orders. It is composed of four lay and four clerical members. The Standing Committee serves as the Ecclesiastical Authority in the absence of a bishop.
Oversight of Real & Financial Assets: Trustees
The Trustees hold the powers and duties granted to them by Section 5 of the Religious Corporations Law of the State of New York and are responsible for the prudent management of assets of the Diocese. Elected and appointed lay and clergy members comprise this body.
Called to Lead: Commission on Ministry
The Commission on Ministry (COM) is composed of elected and appointed clergy and lay people primarily responsible for encouraging and supporting the ministry of all the baptized. The COM supports the discernment of individuals seeking to serve in the church and the world. Along with the bishop the COM guides, evaluates, and supports those seeking ordination to holy orders (diaconate and priestly).
Regional Executive Leadership: Convocation Deans
Convocation Deans are clergy leaders appointed by the Bishop to gather the clergy and people of their respective geographic or ministry areas and to serve as conduits of communication with the Bishop and the Bishop’s staff. The Deans meet regularly with convocation clergy and representatives. Deans provide advice and support to clergy and consult with parishes during clergy transitions. The Deans and the Bishop meet regularly to discuss parish and diocesan issues, pastoral needs, and strategic planning. Deans help to identify clergy and lay leaders in the convocation or ministry area to serve and participate in diocesan teams, events, and Convention.
Legal Counsel to the Bishop and Diocese
The Chancellor provides confidential or public advice on canonical or legal matters to the Bishop, Standing Committee, Diocesan Council, and Diocesan Convention at their request. The Chancellor may also review and advise on particular parish matters (approval of bylaw amendments) and Diocesan matters (review of resolutions) at the request of the Bishop or diocesan staff. When needed the Church Attorney provides legal counsel to the Diocese. The Director of Finance and Administration can provide referrals for parishes needing legal counsel.
Church Discipline: Intake Officer & Disciplinary Board
Criminal behavior which takes place on church property or by church members or clergy should be reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency. Complaints regarding the behavior of clergy should be reported to one of the Diocesan Intake Officers. Depending on the circumstances, cases may be referred to the Diocese’s Disciplinary Board and to further investigation and canon law.
Deputies to the 81st General Convention
Louisville, Kentucky July 2024
- Deputies to General Election: (3) year term
- Eight deputies are elected every (3) years, (4) clergy and (4) lay
- Duties include reporting back to the diocese as well as attending and representing the Diocese at the General Convention held every three years.
- The seniority of deputies is important in terms of the Convention committee structure.
Deputies
Clerical
The Rev. Keisha Stokes, Zion in Palmyra
The Very Rev. Virginia Tyler Smith, Transition Officer
The Very Rev. Keith Patterson, St. Luke & St. Simon Cyrene
The Rev. Mary Ann Brody, St. John’s in Sodus
Laity
Ms. Anne Galvin, Christ Church in Corning
Dr. Carolyn Mok, St. Thomas in Rochester
Ms. Erin Glanton, St. Paul’s in Rochester
Ms. Julie Syracuse, Good Shepherd in Webster
Alternates
Clerical
Very Rev. Leslie Burkardt
Very Rev. Troy Preston
Very Rev. Ken Pepin
Very Rev. Gretchen Ratterree
Laity
Mr. Robert Ferris
Ms. Sue Boland
Ms. Jan Farnsworth
Intake Officer & Disciplinary Board
By virtue of Baptism, all members of the Church are called to holiness of life and accountability to one another. The Episcopal Diocese of Rochester supports its members in their life in Christ and seeks to resolve conflicts by promoting healing, repentance, forgiveness, restitution, justice, amendment of life and reconciliation among all involved or affected. Title IV of the Constitution & Canons of the Episcopal Church applies to Members of the Clergy, who have by their vows at ordination accepted additional responsibilities and accountabilities for doctrine, discipline, worship and obedience.
If you are concerned that a member of the clergy has committed an offense as defined by Title IV, you are encouraged to report that concern directly to the Intake Officer of the Diocese, who independently evaluates such complaints.
For more information on Title IV, visit titleiv.org
Intake Officer
The Intake Officer receives complaints about the behavior of clergy and independently evaluates the appropriate course of action. When he/she deems it appropriate, the Intake Officer can and does refer cases to the Diocesan Disciplinary Board or to the appropriate law enforcement agency.
Any person knowing or reasonably believing an offense may have been committed by a member of the clergy is encouraged to make such a complaint known to an Intake Officer.Â
Violation of Canon Law: Disciplinary Board
The Disciplinary Board is charged with implementing a multi-level resolution process and, if necessary, hearing cases related to the violation of Canon Law (non-criminal) within the church. See the Episcopal Diocese of Rochester’s Constitution & Canons, as well as this summary and training presentation about Title IV.
Members of the Disciplinary Board are elected by the Convention. Each member shall serve a three-year term; except, if a member is elected to fill a vacancy, the term of such member shall be the unexpired term of the member being replaced. The terms of the members shall commence immediately following the election. The terms of office of the Disciplinary Board shall be staggered and arranged into three classes. The first class shall consist of two members (one Clergy, one Lay), the second class shall consist of two (members (one Clergy, one Lay), and the third class shall consist of three members (two Clergy, one Lay).
| Name | Role | Details | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Janet Williams | Elected | 2024 - 2027 | |
| The Rev. David Hanselman | Elected | 2025 - 2027 | |
| The Rev. Gretchen Ratterree | Elected | 2025 - 2028 | |
| The Very Rev. Leslie Burkardt | Elected | 2023 - 2026 | |
| The Very Rev. Troy Preston | Elected | 2023 - 2026 | |
| Mary Lou Hunt-Quintal | Elected | 2023 - 2026 | |
| Steve Kelley | Elected | 2025 - 2028 |