Offices & Candidates for Election
The deadline for nominations to elected offices is November 30, 2011.
1) ACTS/VIM BOARD (13 members)
*To be elected: Class of 2015: 1 clergy/2 lay members
*To be elected: Class of 2013: 1 clergy member
Multiple nominations; require 3 clergy and 3 lay candidates.
Membership: The Diocesan Bishop; 3 clergy and 6 lay members elected by convention for a three year term; 3 clergy or lay members appointed by Bishop for a three year term. Two consecutive three year terms may be served.
Candidate expectations: attendance at four meetings a year when proposals are being considered for funding. Two meetings between the second week in March and last week in April. Two meetings between the second week in March and last week in April. Two meetings between the second week in September and the last week in October. Two or three site visits made to grant requesters in the spring and fall. Participation in at least two educational forums about ACTS/VIM around the diocese in the calendar year; e.g. district meetings, convention, workshops organized by ACTS/VIM.
For a description of board member duties and responsibilities, click here.
Desirable, but not essential, experience: grant writing, reviewing grants, starting or expanding programs.
Candidates Lay:
Patricia W. Ferrin, St. Barnabas’, Newark - Statement: A baptized Episcopalian, I served in the Dioceses of Trinidad and Tobago and the USA. In Trinidad I served under two Bishops - Abdullah and Douglin, as a Youth Advisor. I served the Government of Trinidad and Tobago for fourteen years in Finance and Administration; also several foreign-based companies. I served on the ACTS/VIM Board for the past year. The new order of business calls for reflection, planning and strategic action orientation, not mere talk.
Aubrey Thompson, Christ Church, Teaneck - Statement: Twenty years at Christ Church; served as: Clerk, Senior & Junior Warden, Chair of the Building and Grounds Committee and Pastoral Care Leader; served two terms on the Ward J. Herbert board, the last as chair; also served as secretary to the Transition Committee for the election of our present bishop. I have just completed my first term on the ACTS/VIM board and was honored when selected to help design the "Common Application" for funding.
Candidates Clergy:
Margaret Otterburn, Messiah, Chester – Statement: I have completed a three-year term on the ACTS/VIM Board and will use this experience in a second term. Having set up, led and served in many outreach programs I will bring understanding and compassion to the Board. In the past I have been privileged to receive ACTS/VIM funding for many programs I participate in and I think by serving on the Board I am giving back to our Diocese and to God.
Michelle White, Christ Church, Ridgewood - Statement: In addition to a my career as a teacher and administrator my work experience includes tenure as the executive director of two non-profit community organizations that served the needs of poor and under-represented persons and families. I am skilled in the areas of program implementation and evaluation and am eager to bring my skills and experience to the
ACTS/VIM ministry.
2) CONSTITUTION AND CANONS COMMITTEE (10 members and the Chancellor and Vice Chancellor)
*To be elected: 10 members - (lay or clergy)
Multiple nominations; require 11 candidates; clergy or lay.
The committee serves from the adjournment of the convention at which it is elected until the adjournment of the next annual convention. It reviews the Constitution and Canons and makes recommendations for the amendment thereof and reports to the convention on amendments proposed by others. The committee also reviews Opinions of the Chancellor, as outlined in Canon 20.
The committee meets at the beginning of December to prepare for the annual convention, during convention as necessary, and when called into special session as described in Canon 20.
The Chancellor and one Vice Chancellor are members ex officio. The Chancellor is the chair.
Desirable, but not essential, experiences: church law, revising parish constitutions.
Candidates:
Mr. Thomas Bisdale, Grace Church, Westwood - Statement: I have served on the Constitution & Canons Committee, when eligible, since 1999 and welcome the opportunity to contribute that experience to its work. Other Diocesan positions have been with The Ecclesiastical Court/Disciplinary Board, Diocesan Council, Role Clarification Task Force, ECD and Hillsdale House Boards and various roles in my parish. I belong to the bars of New York and New Jersey.
Mr. T. Donald Cairns, St. Clement’s, Hawthorne – Experience: In my parish I have been a Warden, vestryman, Education For Ministry, Choir member. In the Diocese I am on the Diocesan Council, Christian Formation Commission, Cross Roads Camp & Conference Center, Committee on Constitution and Canons and Cursillo. Statement: I would like to continue to serve on this Committee.
Ms. Marge Christie, Christ Church, Ridgewood - Statement: Member: Constitution & Canons Committee; Trustees of Episcopal Fund and Diocesan Properties; Women's Commission; North Porch Treasurer; Trustees of the General Theological Seminary; Vestry. I continue to believe that the Constitution and Canons are valuable tools to provide guidance in the democratic process necessary for orderly exercise of mission and ministry in the life of the diocese and its congregations. I believe I have the vision and experience to continue as an effective member.
The Rev. Carol Gadsden, St. Mary's, Sparta - Statement: Ordained 26 years, 15 of which were working in healthcare & Medicare compliance. I understand the development of language and structure that must address the concerns of multiple parties and interests while maintaining the integrity of its existing framework. As a new arrival to this diocese who serves a congregation geographically distant from Newark I am eager to become involved in the diocese as I raise the visibility and connection of those I serve to the diocese.
Mr. John Garde, Grace Church, Madison - Statement: Attorney (26 years), a litigation partner at McCarter & English; Vice Chancellor; Presiding Judge of the Ecclesiastical Court; President of the Trustees; convention deputy for 20 plus years, Vestry service including Warden. I have served as member of this committee for many years and I believe that my experience and abilities provide useful insight into the many issues that regularly come before this Committee as the issues confronting our Diocese continue to be addressed.
The Rev. Joseph Harmon, Christ Church, East Orange - Statement: I’m involved in numerous Diocesan activities ,including Diocesan Council, Anti-Racism Facilitator, Disciplinary Board, and the Women’s’ Commission, amongst others, and have served on the Constitution and Canons Committee since 2007. An actively licensed attorney (admitted to the bar of Pennsylvania) I bring my legal background as well as over 30 years of pastoral and administrative experience as a priest. I would like to continue to serve the important work of this Committee.
Mr. George Mackey, St. Elizabeth’s, Ridgewood – Statement: Former convention deputy; College Commission; current member of Constitution & Canons Committee, Disciplinary Board, Provincial Appeals Court. Have represented the diocese in court proceedings. Practicing attorney in NJ, NY and Florida. In my support of Bishop Beckwith and Chancellor Sammons I bring to the Committee substantial knowledge of the Church and its evolving efforts at achieving a balance between clergy discipline and mercy, as well as dealing with the economic realities facing diminishing congregations.
The Rev. Paul Olsson, St. Paul’s, Morris Plains – Statement: Trustee, House of the Good Shepherd; Member, Bishop’s Human Resources Advisory Committee; outgoing Chair, Committee on the Diaconate/COM; former member of Diocesan Council. I would like to continue to offer my service to the diocese as a veteran member of this committee.
The Rev. Dean Weber, All Saints’, Leonia – Statement: Current Trustee of the Diocese and Diocesan Council member; former Chancellor; former District 8 Convener; Rector, All Saints Leonia. In my governance roles, I have been dedicated to helping to benefit the people of our Diocese by assisting with the prudent management of the diocesan assets and properties and determination of program priorities and policies. In this time of challenge for our congregations and the Diocese, I feel I can make a difference.
The Rev. Manoj Mathew Zacharia, St. Paul’s & Resurrection, Wood-Ridge - Statement: Having molded my parish ministry around the areas of administrative and spiritual wholeness, I believe that the role of the constitution and canons are in enabling the business of the church to be a spiritual experience. I would like to offer my experience in harnessing the hybridity of spirituality with administration for the greater good of the Diocese by serving as a member of the Constitution and Canons Committee.
3) DISCIPLINARY BOARD (11 members: 6 clergy, 5 lay)
One nomination necessary for each office.
The Disciplinary Board oversees matters of clergy discipline under Title IV of the Canons of the Episcopal Church. Each diocese must have a Disciplinary Board. The committee is made up of lay persons and priests and deacons. The members are elected by diocesan convention.
*To be elected: Clergy Class of 2018 (1 for six year term)
The Rev. Martha Metzler, Holy Innocents, West Orange -
*To be elected: Clergy Class of 2017 (1 for five year term)
The Rev. Miguelina Howell, Epiphany, Orange -
*To be elected: Lay Class of 2017 (1 for five year term)
Clare Thompson, Christ Church, Teaneck - Statement: The Anglican experience has molded my life and has prepared me to do God's work in service to humanity. At Christ Church, served in many roles - Senior & Junior Warden, President of the Women's Group, founding member and leader of the Parish Health Ministry and UTO coordinator. More than 23 years as a labor leader has provided the knowledge-base and understanding needed for this role. I will continue to discharge my duties if re-elected.
4) GENERAL CONVENTION 4th ALTERNATE
Term: July 5, 2012 until the opening of General Convention in 2015
*To be elected: 1 clergy 4th alternate; the election will be between the remaining candidates from the 2011 election.
No further nominations are being accepted for this contest.
Candidates:
John J. Negrotto, non-parochial - Experience: served six DoN churches, three as Interim; Standing Committee; Jersey City Area Ministry, JCECDC; Department of Missions, Diocesan Council; ESMHE/College Work; Hillsdale Board of Ed.; Emergency Services Chaplain; Oblate: Community St. John Baptist. Statement: General Convention enables our polity as a Communion of Episcopal Dioceses, and calls us to present the Living Gospel of Jesus Christ to the World, our members/seekers. I would be honored and humbled to represent/serve on the Newark Team.
Jon M. Richardson, St. Paul’s, Jersey City - Experience: Priest-in-Charge, St. Paul's, Jersey City; Cross Roads board; Reparations Task Force; consultant to "Voices of Witness Africa: Study Guide"; IntegrityUSA volunteer at 2008 Lambeth Conference; legislative consultant for IntegrityUSA at 2006/2009 General Conventions. Statement: I love the legislative life of the church as one of the ways that the Holy Spirit intercedes in our common life. I offer a rare combination of experience and youth that benefits both our diocese and the larger church.
5) THE STANDING COMMITTEE (8 members)
*To be elected: Class of 2016: 1 clergy/1 lay members
Multiple nominations; require 2 clergy and 2 lay candidates.
4 clergy and 4 lay members are elected by Convention for a four (4) year term. A maximum of eight (8) consecutive years may be served.
The Standing Committee is the Bishop's council of advice and the ecclesiastical authority when there is no bishop in charge. Additionally, the Committee:
- gives consent to elections and resignations of bishops;
- approves any encumbrance of real property and sale of real property;
- approves modifications or revisions of judicial sentences;
- recommends postulants for candidacy, candidates for ordination to the diaconate and deacons to be ordained priests.
Attendance is required at ten monthly meetings. Currently the Standing Committee meets the first Wednesday of each month (except July and August) at 12:30 p.m. The body is open to a time change to 7:30 a.m. (same day) as an accommodation to different schedules. Video conferencing is also an option that will be considered.
- Committee assignments as required.
Desirable, but not necessary, experience: law, real estate, vestry/executive committee, diocesan groups.
Candidates Lay:
Patricia (Pat) Yankus, St. Paul’s, Paterson - Statement: Currently serving on the Standing Committee for the past four years; Ward J. Herbert Board and Pastoral Support Team; past service on Diocesan Council. Having helped churches discern their mission focus toward growth and development along with resolution of any property concerns, I have gained an understanding for the challenges facing our congregations in today’s world. I bring a passion for congregational development and experience to the Committee.
Candidates Clergy:
The Rev. David DeSmith, St. David’s, Kinnelon - Statement: Prior service on the Standing Committee in Western Massachusetts. Ninth year as rector in Kinnelon; former Stewardship Commission member. With St. David’s becoming a community center I have beneficial experience in dealing with real estate and leasing issues that is the purview of the Standing Committee. I feel the Spirit is telling me that I have enough years in the diocese to be familiar with it and now is the time to offer my gifts.
John J. Negrotto, non-parochial – Statement: Served 6 DoN churches; JCAM; JCECDC; Missions Department-Property; Diocesan Council; Hillsdale Senior Housing Corp.; Hillsdale Board of Education-Property/Finance; BACHR; Standing Committee; Trained Interim/Transition Consultant. The Standing Committee extends a variety of services to churches and to those seeking ordination/consecration. I gratefully request you to continue my SC service, so that our team can efficiently address well in advance, and facilitate the myriad of proposals and deadlines that we receive.
Dean Weber, All Saints’, Leonia - Statement: Service with the Diocesan Council, Trustees of the Episcopal Fund & Diocesan Properties, Ward J. Herbert Fund Board and the Chancellor’s office provided experience and knowledge to ably support the Standing Committee’s canonical responsibilities regarding property issues, ordinations, clergy matters, and the consent processes.
6) TRINITY & ST. PHILIP'S CATHEDRAL CHAPTER (18 members)
*To be elected: Class of 2015: 1 clergy/1 lay member
Multiple nominations; require 2 clergy and 2 lay candidates.
The membership of the Chapter is as follows:
- The Diocesan Bishop as President
- Bishops
- The Dean
- Archdeacons, if any
- 3 clergy & 3 lay persons elected by Convention for a one 3-year term
- 3 clergy or 3 lay members appointed by the Bishop for a one 3-year term
- 2 wardens, 1 treasurer, 1 clerk and 12 lay members elected from and by the congregation
Under the joint consolidation agreement and the Constitution of the Cathedral, the Chapter shall have the regulation, management and administration of temporal affairs of the Cathedral and the decision in such spiritual matters pertaining to its administration as may be referred to the Chapter by the Bishop or the Dean.
Attendance is required at quarterly meetings. Desirable, but not necessary, experience: vestry, diocesan groups.
Candidates Lay:
Sidney King, Incarnation, Jersey City - Statement: Past & Present Experience: Church: Chair Stewardship, Search, & Finance Committees, Vestry, Jr. & Sr. Warden. Diocese: Dept. of Missions, ACTS/VIM Board, Diocesan Council, Ward J. Herbert, Cathedral Chapter, Alternate to General Convention. Others:-Past President and Treasurer, UBE and Jersey City Episcopal CDC, President, Hudson County Supervisors' Union. Personal Statement: I would like to be re-elected to the Cathedral Chapter to assist them as they work to get their Finances under control and their house in order.
Candidates Clergy:
The Rev. Rosa Brown-Autry, St. Paul’s, Paterson - Experience: Administrative Assistant to the Bishop in Costa Rica for 20 years. Later in the Diocese of Los Angeles, I served on the Diocesan Budget and Finance Committee, trainer for the Kaleidoscope Project (Anti-Racism), Diocesan Council, Dean for Deanery Four, Hispanic Program Group. At present: Ministerio Hispano /Latino Commission and Namaste: Anti-Racism Dialogues Trainer. Statement: My vision is to continue to use and to bring all my passion, skills and gifts to assist the Cathedral Chapter.
7) TRUSTEES OF THE EPISCOPAL FUND AND DIOCESAN PROPERTIES (12 members)
* To be elected: Class of 2017 - 3 members - either clergy or lay
Multiple nominations; require 4 candidates - clergy or lay.
The Trustees hold title to and administer the funds and real estate for the benefit of the Diocese.
Additional candidate requirement: must reside in the geographical area of the diocese.
Candidates:
Mr. Danforth W. Austin, St. George's, Maplewood - Statement: I have served our Church in various capacities,including as a parish senior warden and vestry member and as a board member of the Episcopal Church Foundation. I have extensive public and private sector leadership experience, most recently as Director, Voice of America and earlier as a senior executive of Dow Jones & Co. I am eager to put my talents and management skills to use by serving our Diocese and its congregations as a Trustee.
Ms. Marge Christie, Christ Church, Ridgewood - Statement: I have served as a Trustee for several terms and am currently its secretary. The responsibilities of the Trustees are important to the life of the Diocese and to the ministry of the Bishop, and I hope to be re-elected to this office. I currently am a member of the Vestry, the Women's Commission and serve as treasurer of North Porch.
Mr. Steven Koehler, Christ Church, Bloomfield/Glen Ridge – Statement: Experience in parishes both in Illinois and the Diocese of Newark as vestry member, warden, and treasurer. Currently member of the Committee on the Priesthood. Retired from a 38 year career in finance and accounting; a CPA with experience in asset management, financial reporting, auditing and investment analysis. It would be an honor to serve as a Trustee, and would bring to the role an enthusiastic application of my experience in both parish and business settings.
Ms. Bernice Mayes, Trinity & St. Philip’s Cathedral, Newark - Statement: I am requesting your vote to continue to serve as a Trustee for the Class of 2017. I have served on the Board as a member and would continue to protect your assets and to represent you in a professional manner.
The Rev. John Mennell, St. Luke's, Montclair: Statement: As Christ calls us to use the gifts we have been given, my 15 years of experience in corporate finance and as Chair of the Diocesan Budget & Finance Committee lead me toward
this role. I am excited about using my experience to help the broader church act as good stewards of the gifts we have been given and wisely discern how best to live into our mission to “make disciples of all nations.”
8) SECRETARY OF CONVENTION - one year term
One nomination necessary.
Candidate requirement: Communicant in good standing.
The Secretary shall give notice of all Conventions as required by the Constitution, take Minutes of the proceedings, preserve the journals and records, attest the public acts of the Convention, and perform such other services as may from time to time be prescribed by the Canons or by the Convention.
The Secretary of the Convention shall also be a Secretary of the Diocesan Council.
Candidates:
Mr. Michael Francaviglia, St. George's, Maplewood
9 & 10 ) TREASURER & ASSISTANT TREASURER OF CONVENTION - one year term
One nomination necessary for each office.
Candidate requirement: Communicant in good standing.
The Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer each shall give satisfactory security for the faithful performance of his/her duties. The Treasurer shall be entitled to a seat in the Convention and shall submit a statement of the accounts to each Annual Convention. The Assistant Treasurer shall perform such duties as may be assigned by the Treasurer of the Convention.
The Treasurer of the Convention shall also be Treasurer of the Diocesan Council.
Candidates for Treasurer:
Mr. Paul Shackford, St. Andrew's, Harrington Park
Candidates for Assistant Treasurer:
Mr. Ross Mangina, Grace Church, Madison