To Clergy and Lay Leaders of the Diocese of El Camino Real

As of 12:00 noon EST today, March 31, 2004, pursuant to the Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church, which govern the operation of this diocese, the Standing Committee is the Ecclesiastical Authority of the Diocese of El Camino Real.  With the exception of ordinations, confirmations, and issues relating to dissolution of pastoral relationships, all of the positions and functions of the bishop are now the responsibility of, and within the authority of, the Standing Committee.

We have been meeting today with the Rt. Rev. Clayton Matthews, who is the personal representative of the Most Reverend Frank T. Griswold, the Presiding Bishop, and with our own retained canonical legal consultant, to prepare for the time of transition and to begin coordinating with other diocesan entities (the Diocesan Council, the Board of Directors of the Corporation, the Joint Process Committee, and Diocesan staff).  Bishop Matthews has also outlined the options available to our diocese for an assisting bishop in this interim period. 

It is also our goal to appoint a new Canon to the Ordinary to support our diocesan mission and ministry in this interim period.  We intend to work with Diocesan Council to find the funding for this critical position.  In the meantime, members of the Standing Committee will immediately begin serving as the Ecclesiastical Authority on all diocesan committees, councils, and boards.  That means that wherever the Bishop has formerly served, the Standing Committee, or its assigned representative, will now serve.

The Rev. Chris Creed will represent the Ecclesiastical Authority in working with the Chancellor, the Secretary and Treasurer of the Diocese, and the Board of Directors of the Corporation. 

The Rev. Joan Gardner will represent the Ecclesiastical Authority on DIEM.

Dr. Gordon Gritter will represent the Ecclesiastical Authority on the Board of Directors of the Corporation.

The Rev. Harriet Linville will represent the Ecclesiastical Authority with ECCO (El Camino Clergy Organization), deacons, and clergy families. 

Ms. Ginger Redman will represent the Ecclesiastical Authority on the Stewardship Commission.  She will also work with the Canon Educator. 

The Rev. Donna Ross will represent the Ecclesiastical Authority on Diocesan Council and will work with DIEM, the Mission Bell editor and the Mission House staff.

Ms. Joanna Shreve will represent the Ecclesiastical Authority on the Commission on Ministry and will work with the Finance Committee.

Ms. Ann Wright will represent the Ecclesiastical Authority on the Strategic Planning Commission.


We intend to keep the Diocese completely up-to-date and informed on all developments as we move towards the election of a new Bishop. We will continue to send Standing Committee Updates as details become available.  In the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact us with questions and comments.

The Rev. Donna Ross, President  donnaross@charter.net
The Rev. Joan Gardner, Vice President  revjoan@garlic.com
Ms. Joanna Shreve, Secretary  JRShreve@aol.com
The Rev. Chris Creed, FrCreed@aol.com
Dr. Gordon Gritter, ggritter805@charter.net
The Rev. Harriet Linville, hlinville@thegrid.net
Ms. Ginger Redman, gingerredman@earthlink.net
Ms. Ann Wright, hmwright1@comcast.net