Diocesan Council acts on behalf of Diocesan Convention inbetween meetings of Convention to develop and implement the policies, programs, and budget approved and adopted by Convention.

3 to be elected - clergy

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Name: The Rev. Vincent S. Raj - Elected
Church Affiliation: St. George’s Church, Salinas, CA

1) What can I contribute?
I have served on Council as a lay-member (2000-2001), and currently as an appointed clergy-representative. My past experience serves me well in Council deliberations. I bring a forthright and sincere manner, and speak my mind in a spirit of dialogue and collaboration. I have a good understanding of our ecclesiastical structures, and an appreciation of the dynamics of working within the constraints of our Canons & Constitution.

2) Church activities:
Rector, St. George’s Church, Salinas (2002 – Present); Clergy-member of Diocesan Council (2004); Lay-member of Diocesan Council (2000 - 2001); Member of DIEM (2001)

3) What major issues face the church today?
(A) Our Diocese is in a state of transition as we move forward towards calling our Third Bishop; this is a crucially important time in our Diocesan life. It has both the promise of new beginnings, and the challenge of not repeating past mistakes.
(B) The Anglican Communion faces the possibility of rift and rupture over the issue of homosexuality and same-sex blessings. Even within ECUSA we are faced with the probability of separations over this issue.
(C) Dwindling Episcopal Church membership both in our Diocese, and in ECUSA.

Name: George F. (Jeff) Kohn
Church affiliation: Saint James, Monterey

1) What can I contribute?
Openness to creative ways to work through problems. Much past experience, particularly in the area of Diocesan finances. Humor.

2) Church activities:
Rector, Saint James, Monterey – I have been serving on the Council for the past two years. I have served as a member and chair of the Council’s budget committee. I am currently a member of the Finance Commission, and formerly its chair.

3) What major issues face the church today?
We are in a time of transition in the diocese, with both the challenge and opportunity of doing things in new ways, while, at the same time pastorally and effectively managing current ministry commitments.

Name: The Rev. Mary K. Morrison - Elected
Church affiliation: Pastoral Associate, St. Luke’s, Los Gatos

1) What can I contribute?
I have patience with process and embrace cooperation and collegiality and I have a well-developed sense of humor and resilient spirit. Before ordination I was a Bishop’s committee member, lay delegate to diocesan convention, and lay employee of three different parishes. I am passionate about building community and strengthening the fabric of our common life.

2) Church activities
Before coming to St. Luke’s, I was the Program Director for the Center for Anglican Learning and Life at the Church Divinity School of the Pacific. I serve as Liturgical Grand Poobah for diocesan services, and am a member of the family ministry network of our diocese. I also teach at the School for Deacons (Diocese of California).

3) What major issues face the church today?
How do we fulfill the mission of the church—to restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ (BCP p. 855)—and manage our differences?
For our diocese: continuing to build trust in our diocesan structures and manage the temporal affairs of the diocese while upholding gospel values.

Name: Susan Miller
Church affiliation: Vicar, St. Matthias’

1) What can I contribute?
I have broad experience with financial matters and leadership, both as vicar of St. Matthias, and, prior to ordination, as a newspaper executive. Over the years, my colleagues and I have faced a variety of challenges, but we’ve had talented, enthusiastic and dedicated people who’ve worked together to overcome them. I have experienced the blessings of teamwork and relying on everyone’s input and ideas.

2) Church activities
Vicar of St. Matthias, Seaside, since January 2004 (transitional deacon in charge of worship from October 2003-January 2004), half-time chaplain for John 23 AIDS Ministry of Monterey and San Benito counties since September 2003. I regularly attend DIEM meetings and have served on the Restorative Justice Commission and Commission on Culture and Technology. I’ve also served as a volunteer jail chaplain at the Monterey County Jail.

3) What major issues face the church today?
We are engaged in an exciting process to think about the future of our diocese and collectively to establish a vision for our mission and ministry. We have a wonderful opportunity to think about our strengths and resources, and how best to utilize them to grow our presence and serve all the people who live in our diocese. We need to build on the progress this year of enhanced communication and collaboration among Diocese Council, the Standing Committee, the deaneries and diocese programs and committees. We need to continue this collaborative leadership style as we continue to seek everyone’s ideas and feedback.

Name: The Rev. Mary Lou McKenney - Elected
Church Affiliation: All Saints' Watsonville

1) What can I contribute?
I have council experience, as I was appointed to fill an unexpired term in 2004. I have a background in accounting, and currently serve on Finance Committee, so I will be able to bring a working knowledge of financial systems in general, and Diocesan finances in particular, to Council. I have education in conflict resolution, which will allow me to help Council work effectively. I am the Finance Committee liaison to DIEM, so I am well informed regarding mission issues; this and my time living in Central America, and my ability to speak Spanish will allow me to bring an understanding of Latin culture and experience with cross cultural relations to Council’s deliberations.

2) Church activities:
Priest In Charge, All Saints' Watsonville. Finance Coomttee.

3) What major issues face the church today?
In our Diocese, I believe the major issues confronting us are the reestablishment of healthy and loving relationships, and the selection of a new bishop. We also need to concentrate on building effective relationships with the diverse cultural communities we have within the diocese, making sure that all have a place at the table.