Convention Elections

To be elected: Class of 2028 – 3 clergy/3 lay members

Council’s Canonical Responsibilities include: (Canon 5.4)
a) Analyze needs, determine primary concerns and program priorities, and develop goals and policy for the Diocese.
b) Review and evaluate the program of the Diocese, set standards, gather and analyze data, and compare results with goals and policy.
c) Establish such planning groups as the Council may deem appropriate to carry out its purposes and duties.
d) Engage consultants and utilize resources sufficient to accomplish the planning process.
e) Supervise the financial affairs of the Convention, including budgetary matters.
f) Submit annually to the Convention a unified budget for the ensuing year to provide for the total operation of the Diocese.
g) In the event the Convention fails to adopt a unified budget at its annual Convention, to provide for such a budget for the ensuing year in accordance with any general or specific mandates of the Convention.
h) Adopt a working budget annually.
i) Provide for the maintenance of sound and accepted business practices in the affairs of the Diocese,
j) Give recognition to accredited organizations, institutions, and other activities of the Diocese and provide regulations whereby such recognition can be given.
k) Approve ACTS/VIM, Ward J. Herbert and Congregational Growth and Development Fund grants.
l) Together with the Diocesan Staff, to encourage the timeliness and accuracy of parochial reports.

Meetings are generally held on the second Wednesday evening of every month (Except July & August) and Council will meet in the various congregations of the diocese. Meetings typically last from 6 – 8:30 PM and dinner is served.

Questions? Contact: Bob Cottingham, the Rev. Bill Cruse, or Jewels Quelly.

Candidates – Clergy

Candidates – Lay

Barbara Monahan – Christ Church, Ridgewood
I am interested in being apart of the Diocesan Council to use my talents, education and experience in the leadership of the Diocese. I am a vestry member, Women’s group leader and train Acolytes to serve at the altar @ Christ Church Ridgewood. I am a member of Valley Toastmasters where I help member develop their speaking and administrative skills. I was an Accountant for a major car company where I lead a team to achieve tight deadlines while developing and implementing efficiency projects. I was a founding member of the company’s Toastmasters group and Women’s networking group where I held the President position for several years. Please note that I am a Candidate for Holy Orders to the priesthood.

Nick Orichio – Christ Church, Newton
After serving my first year on Diocesan Council I feel that I have more to contribute and learn. As a CPA and a financial leader in industry, I bring strong organizational skills and integrity to this position.

Susan Cancelosi – St. James, Upper Montclair
I have been at St James for over 30 years where I have served on the Stewardship, Search, Capital Campaign, Property and Finance Committees, and several terms as Treasurer and Junior and Senior Warden. Although my education was in science, my involvement as a principal in a family business, lead to my being an incorporator of Franklin Bank in Nutley. In addition of being on the Board of Directors, I served on the executive and audit committees. (The bank was ultimately merged into TD Bank). I have enjoyed being on the Budget & Finance Sub Committee of the Council and would be honored to continue.

To be elected: Class of 2029 – 1 clergy/1 lay members
Multiple nominations; require 3 clergy and 2 lay candidates.

The Standing Committee consists of 8 members. Four clergy and four 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 via Zoom on first Wednesdays at 7 PM. The Standing Committee meets the first Wednesday of each month (except July and August).

Committee assignments as required.

Desirable, but not necessary, experience: law, real estate, vestry/executive committee, diocesan groups.

Questions? Contact: The Rev. Danielle Baker or Bernie Milano.

Candidates – Clergy

Candidates – Lay

Nerissa Boccino – St. Peter’s, Morristown
I prayerfully ask for your support as I stand for election as a Lay Member of the Standing Committee. I have just completed a full term, serving as Secretary during part of my term. My recent diocesan involvement includes serving as Co-Chair of the 150th Anniversary Celebration and as a member of the Communications & Technology Working Team sub-committee. At St. Peter’s, Morristown, I have served in a variety of leadership roles, including Warden, Buildings & Grounds Committee, Investment Committee and IT. I have also been a Delegate to Convention and chaired the Congregation Development Committee, among other roles. I would be honored to continue serving our Diocese.

Election To Fill Vacancy

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.

Questions? Contact: John Garde, Esq.

Candidates

John Garde – Grace Church, Madison
As a lawyer and person historically active in the Diocese and in my church I look forward to continuing to serve on this critical leadership body of the Diocese. I am a partner at McCarter & English, President of the Diocesan Trustees, previous member of the Standing Committee, former Presiding Judge of the Title IV court, former Vice Chancellor, current Senior Warden and Grace Madison and long standing member of the Committee on Constitutions and Canons

16 Positions to be elected for the 82nd Triennial General Convention
(July 1-8, 2027 in Phoenix, AZ)

Those not elected as Deputies are immediately considered as the nominees for Alternates.

Consider being a part of the worldwide Episcopal Church. See a religious democracy in action. Worship with over 1,000 Episcopalians singing with full voice! You will leave exhilarated, excited, renewed and proud to be an Episcopalian.

The Episcopal Church gathers every three years for General Convention.

Each diocese elects a deputation of 4 lay people and 4 clergy with 4 alternate deputies for each order.

The General Convention is typically held the first two weeks of July. The convention is in general session for ten days with committee meetings prior and post-convention.

The deputies and alternates must be able to travel and take time from their family and work.

All expenses are paid by the diocese for business related activities (transportation; hotel accommodations; meals and taxes….) for the deputation and first alternates in each order.

Candidate requirement: Communicant and member in good standing.

See also: Are you considering running for Deputy to General Convention?

Candidates – Clergy

Elizabeth Ivell – St. Mary’s, Sparta
I have been very grateful to be a part of the Diocese of Newark for the last four years. I have been a member of the ACTS/VIM Board and as a Alternate for the Clergy Delegation to General Convention in 2024. I have served at St. Peter’s in Morristown, and now Church of the Messiah in Chester and St. Mary’s in Sparta. In the past I have served as a Clergy Deputy to the General Convention in 2018 for the Diocese of Northwestern Pennsylvania and was an assistant secretary for a legislative committee during that time. I am very interested in the governance of the Episcopal Church, especially when it comes to the future of congregations. I am studying how we can have strong, healthy congregations in the doctorate program at Drew.

Tom Mathews – Christ Church, Ridgewood
I’m honored for you to consider me to serve as a Deputy to GC. Over 25 years as a Seminarian and Rector, I have served parishes in a wide array of sizes and settings. In each church, as well my elected roles as a Regional Coordinator and Diocesan Council member, I have always been moved by the joint work of Parishioners, Layleaders & Clergy to advance the work of Discipleship. As a cradle member of the Episcopal faith we share, it’s my intention to serve as a Deputy for this reason- to continue advancing the dynamic and welcoming work of our Church while helping to situate it for growth in the 21st century and beyond, with a focus on enabling the success and vitality of parishes, since they are the lifeblood and conduit for our growth.

Candidates – Lay

Jewels Quelly – St. James’, Hackettstown
I believe in turning vision into action—and I’ve done just that in the Episcopal Diocese of Newark. Since 2018, I’ve served on Diocesan Council, the Diocesan Visioning Team (Congregational Collaboration), and represented our diocese as a Lay Deputy to the 81st General Convention. At that Convention, I felt a strong call to advocate for neurodiverse individuals and their caregivers in the Episcopal Church. With the support of our diocesan convention, I launched BOOST, a task force dedicated to exploring parish life through the lens of neurodiversity. I continue to work tirelessly across the diocese to raise awareness and build resources. With your vote, I will bring this same passion, leadership, and dedication to the 82nd GenCon.

Meredith McKeever – Grace Church, Madison
During the 2024 General Convention, I served on the Official Youth Presence, where I got to sit in on the House of Deputies, learn how Convention works, and engage in important conversations with leaders of the church. As an official voting deputy to Convention, I could have a bigger impact on the Church and help highlight youth voices and opinions.

Paula Cappel – St. Andrew & Holy Communion, South Orange
My experiences from the 80th. and 81st. General Conventions gave me valuable insight into how the Episcopal Church makes decisions about mission, budget, policies, and governance. With two conventions behind me, I am prepared to serve effectively from day one and to ensure our Diocese has a strong, experienced voice at the table. At my parish, I serve as a Worship Leader, Lector, hospitality and Outreach Ministries. I also sit on Diocesan Council and the Constitution and Canons Committee of the Diocese. I ask for your vote to continue representing our Diocese faithfully, speaking up for all people, especially the marginalized, vulnerable, and stigmatized.

Laura Russell – All Saints, Hoboken
Having been a Deputy to the last five General Conventions and currently on Executive Council of the Episcopal Church and the Task Force to Reimagine General Convention, I feel I have an understanding of the wider Church and a passion for church governance. Working as a public interest attorney for those who are marginalized, such as low-income domestic violence survivors, has helped me to have a greater understanding of our mission. At General Convention my past experiences, such as serving on Legislative Committees, help me craft and advocate for policies that welcome all. I am grateful this Diocese has previously elected me to serve and would be humbled to serve again as a Deputy, bringing my passions back to General Convention.

To be elected: Class of 2028 – 1 clergy/2 lay members
Multiple nominations; require 2 clergy and 4 lay candidates.

The ACTS/VIM Board also administers funding grants through the Alleluia Fund.

Membership: Twelve members. 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 October and the last week in November. For the Alleluia Fund. Two or three site visits made to grant requesters in the spring and fall. Also, as needed, 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.

Desirable, but not essential, experience: grant writing, reviewing grants, starting or expanding programs.

Questions? Contact: The Rev. Lorraine Harris, Michael Francaviglia, or the Rev. Ellen Kohn-Perry.

Candidates – Clergy

Elizabeth Ivell – St. Mary’s, Sparta
I have been very grateful to be a part of the Diocese of Newark for the last four years. I have been a member of the ACTS/VIM Board and as a Alternate for the Clergy Delegation to General Convention in 2024. I have served at St. Peter’s in Morristown, and now Church of the Messiah in Chester and St. Mary’s in Sparta. In the past I have served as a Clergy Deputy to the General Convention in 2018 for the Diocese of Northwestern Pennsylvania and was an assistant secretary for a legislative committee during that time. I am very interested in the governance of the Episcopal Church, especially when it comes to the future of congregations. I am studying how we can have strong, healthy congregations in the doctorate program at Drew.

Candidates – Lay

Adrianne Harrison-Surgeon – Christ Church, Short Hills
I am seeking to serve on the Acts-VIM Committee as I enter a new chapter of life, recently retired and widowed, and eager to devote my time to meaningful service. At Christ Church Short Hills, I served two terms on the Vestry, chaired Education, and helped launch Episcopal Relief and Development as our first chairperson. I also contributed to the Outreach Grants Committee and remain active in the Altar Guild and Parish Choir. Professionally, I co-founded a nonprofit serving all 21 New Jersey counties, hold a Doctor of Education in Leadership and Management, and bring extensive experience in grant writing and program leadership.

Kirk Petersen – St. George’s, Maplewood
I previously served on the ACTS/VIM Board and am eager to have that experience again. I am deeply steeped in Episcopal culture and governance, at the parish, diocesan and denominational levels. My wife Nina Nicholson and I joined St. George’s Maplewood more than 25 years ago, and I have served on the vestry, as property chair, and participated in two rector searches. For eight years I covered The Episcopal Church for The Living Church magazine, first as a freelancer and then as a staff member. Currently I work as a communications consultant for the denominational headquarters.

To be elected: 10 members – (lay or clergy)
Multiple nominations; require 11 candidates; clergy or lay.

The Constitution and Canons Committee consists of 10 members, the Chancellor (member ex officio and chair), and the Vice Chancellor.

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 in the beginning months prior to the convention to prepare for the annual convention, during convention as necessary, and when called into special session as described in Canon 20.

Desirable, but not essential, experiences: church law, revising parish constitutions.

Questions? Contact: Diane Sammons, Esq.

Candidates

Thomas Bisdale – Grace Church, Westwood
I have served on the committee for over 2 decades which might suggest to some that it is time for new blood, However, on this particular committee that is outweighed by the benefits of experience and institutional knowledge. Currently a member of the Trustees and the Disciplinary Board, I have also served the Diocese and my parish in many capacities. I am a member of the NJ and NY Bars.

John Garde – Grace Church, Madison
As a lawyer and person historically active in the Diocese and in my church I look forward to continuing to serve on this critical committee. I am a partner at McCarter & English, President of the Diocesan Trustees, previous member of the Standing Committee, former Presiding Judge of the Title IV court, former Vice Chancellor, former Senior Warden and Vestry member at Grace Madison and long standing member of the Committee on Constitutions and Canons.

Patricia Arlin Bradley – Holy Trinity, Hillsdale
I am currently a member of the Committee and would be honored to continue serving in this capacity. I am a longstanding member of Holy Trinity, Hillsdale, where I have contributed in various roles, including vestry member and warden. Additionally, I serve on the board of Hillsdale’s interfaith food pantry, the Helping Hands Food Pantry. Professionally, I am a senior human resources executive with extensive and diverse experience across multiple industries, including finance, publishing, genomics, biotech, and pharmaceuticals.

John L Smith – Trinity & St. Philip’s Cathedral, Newark
I am presently an active member of Trinity and Saint Philip’s Cathedral for several decades, and have served the church as Warden and presently a member of Vestry. I served as a Newark Detective Investigator for twenty-six plus years. I educated students at Essex County College, Newark and West Caldwell Campuses for thirty-one years, after earning a Graduate Degree from Seton Hall University, South Orange. I serve as a Community Member of Essex/Newark Legal Services Board, serving as Treasurer for several years. I am also a Community Member of the Essex Ethics Committee, appointed by the New Jersey Supreme Court.

To be elected: Clergy Class of 2031 (1 for six-year term)
To be elected: Lay Class of 2030 (1 for five-year term)
One nomination necessary for each office.

The Disciplinary Board consists of 11 members: 6 clergy and 5 lay.

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. The Elected Members of the Disciplinary Board will be required to attend an organizational meeting of the Board to be scheduled within 2 months of the conclusion of the convention.

Questions? Contact: Laura Russell, Esq.

Candidates – Clergy

Candidates – Lay

Laura Russell – All Saints, Hoboken
I have always felt called to Church governance. Currently, I am the President of this Disciplinary Board, and the President of the Court of Review of The Episcopal Church, which is the appellate court for clergy discipline. I have also served as a Deputy to General Convention. I am a supervising attorney at a public interest law firm. As a public interest attorney specializing in helping clients in crisis, I feel that my sense of justice, understanding of the law and Church Canons, and compassion for individuals brings support to this Committee and its work. I am also on the board of several not-for-profits, and on the vestry of my parish. I would be honored to continue serving on this board.

To be elected: Class of 2028 – 1 clergy/1 lay members
Multiple nominations; require 2 clergy and 2 lay candidates.

The Chapter consists of 18 members, 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.

Questions? Contact: John Garde, Esq.

Candidates – Clergy

Candidates – Lay

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.

John King – St. Andrew’s, Harrington Park
I consider myself privileged to serve the congregations and people of the Diocese of Newark, I have always felt a call to serve and assist the good work of this Convention and its committees. I am proud to be part of this community, and I look forward to continuing in this role.

One nomination necessary for each office.

Candidate requirement: Communicants 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 – Treasurer

Samuel Reckford – Christ Church, Short Hills
As the CFO of the diocese, it probably makes sense for me to serve as the Treasurer of Convention.

Candidates – Assistant Treasurer