Standing Committee

The Standing Committee is the body of lay and clergy members of the Diocese elected by the Annual Meeting of the Convention and authorized by the Canons of the Episcopal Church as the Bishop’s Council of Advice. If there is no diocesan, suffragan, or coadjutor bishop canonically authorized to act, the Standing Committee becomes the Ecclesiastical Authority of the diocese for all purposes declared by General Convention.

The Standing Committee advises the bishop and gives consent in matters of the disposition of property, ecclesiastical discipline, the election and consecration of bishops, and the matter of candidates for ordained ministry. The election of members and the terms and conditions of their office are defined by the Canons of the Episcopal Church in Western Oregon.

The Standing Committee meets monthly online.

The Standing Committee, Board of Trustees, & Diocesan Council meet together for an All Governing Bodies Retreat.

Members of the Committee

The Rt. Rev. Diana D. Akiyama, Bishop

Term Ending 2025:

The Rev. Gavin Shumate (St. John, Toledo), Secretary
Juanita Weber (St. David of Wales, Portland)

Term Ending 2026:

The Rev. Dcn. Kristina Burbank (St. James Santiago, Lincoln City)
Susan Mekarski (St. Francis of Assisi, Wilsonville)

Term Ending 2027:

Pamela Filbert (St. Timothy, Salem)
The Rev. Linda Lee, Deacon (St. Timothy, Brookings)

Term Ending 2028:

Sandi Orbell (Resurrection, Eugene)
The Rev. Vijendran (VJ) Sathyaraj (Trinity, Portland)