Image Description: The stamp for the Episcopal Diocese of the Great Lakes. The bottom of the stamp is a orange-yellow shield with a dark blue outline that reads "Estd. 2024" in highly stylized type with two Episcopal-style crosses. On the top of the shield, like it's sailing on it, is the two-sailed ship from the diocesan seal, along with the three stars in the sky. the largest of which represents our new diocese while the two smaller stars represent our two legacy dioceses.
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Image Description: The wordmark for our diocese that reads, "EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF THE GREAT LAKES." The first four words are in all caps in a simple-yet-wide sans serif font. "Great Lakes" is also in all-caps, but in a highly stylized font that is reminiscent of vintage sign art. The G, L and S all have added flourishes that look like waves. This is the horizontal orientation of the wordmark and it is shown in the warm gray (off-white) brand color.

Diocesan Council

Next Diocesan Council Meeting: Saturday, January 10, 2026, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Online Only

Attend the January 10 Council Meeting Online
Diocesan Council Minutes
2025-2026 Meeting Schedule
2025-2026 Diocesan Council Roster

The Diocesan Council shall function as the executive committee of the Diocese acting with the authority of and in the name of the Diocese between meetings of the annual Convention and in accordance with such direction and limits as may be set forth by the Diocese in its articles of incorporation or by such resolutions or canons that may be passed by the Convention.

– II.8.2.a, Canons of the Episcopal Diocese of the Great Lakes

Diocesan Council is composed of both lay and clergy members and holds the legal governing authority for our diocese. It stewards the secular side of our common life, including diocesan property, finances, and other business matters. Title II, Canon 8, Section 2 of our diocesan canons describes these responsibilities in full.

Council members are elected by Diocesan Convention, where clergy and lay delegates from every parish come together to help guide the direction of the diocese. These roles matter. Serving on Council, voting at Convention, and showing up to observe Council meetings are concrete ways every person in the diocese can help shape our common diocesan life. The early church practiced discernment together, listening for the Spirit in community. Your engagement continues that pattern. When you take part, you help the whole body hear more clearly.

When a bishop is in office, that person chairs the Council. In seasons without a bishop, the Vice Chair—chosen from among the elected members—serves as presiding officer.

All Council meetings are open to the public. On occasion, Council may enter Executive Session to discuss personnel-related budget matters, though any resulting votes happen in open session.

Approved minutes are posted within 30 days of each quarterly meeting. You can access current and past minutes, including those from the legacy dioceses, using the button below.

2025-2026 Diocesan Council Meeting Schedule

November 15, 2025 (Leadership Retreat), 9:15 a.m. - 12 noon

Format: Hybrid

Location: Diocesan Council members who are able will be at the Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center in Roscommon. Staff and other observers are invited to join via Zoom. 

Report Deadline for Consideration: November 7, 2025

Meetings approved and added to public folder by: Monday, December 15, 2025

January 10, 2026, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Format: Online Only

Location: Zoom

Report Deadline for Consideration: January 2, 2026

Primary Topic(s): Review of Episcopal Diocese of the Great Lakes Policies

Meetings approved and added to public folder by: Monday, February 9, 2026

February 7, 2026, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Format: Online Only

Location: Zoom

Report Deadline for Consideration: January 30, 2026

Primary Topic(s): Review of End of Year (2025) Financials

Meetings approved and added to public folder by: Monday, March 9, 2026

May 16, 2026, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Format: Hybrid 

Location: Onsite Location TBD, Online location is Zoom

Report Deadline for Consideration: May 8, 2025

Primary Topic(s): Review of Bishop Election Progress, Review of Q1 Financials

Meetings approved and added to public folder by: Monday, June 15, 2026

July Saturday (Final Date TBD), 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

The focus of the July meeting will be Council’s first review of the first draft of the 2027 budget from the finance committee. Date TBD.

August 15, 2026, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Format: Hybrid 

Location: Onsite Location TBD, Online location is Zoom

Report Deadline for Consideration: August 7, 2025

Primary Topic(s): Review Q2 Financials

Meetings approved and added to public folder by: Monday, September 14, 2026

September 12, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Format: Online Only

Location: Zoom

Report Deadline for Consideration: September 4, 2026

Primary Topic(s): Finalize Proposed 2027 Budget

Meetings approved and added to public folder by: Monday, October 12, 2026

October 24, At Conclusion of Convention

Format: Onsite Only

Location: Plenary Space, Third Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of the Great Lakes

Report Deadline for Consideration: N/A

Primary Topic(s): Election of officers for 2026-2027

Meetings approved and added to public folder by: Monday, November 23, 2026

November 21 (Leadership Retreat), Time TBD

Format: Hybrid 

Location: Onsite Location TBD, Online location is Zoom

Report Deadline for Consideration: November 13, 2026

Primary Topic(s): Review of Q3 Financials, Council Planning for 2027

Meetings approved and added to public folder by: Monday, December 21, 2026

2025-2026 Diocesan Council Roster

The Rev. Brian Coleman is Priest-in-Residence of Holy Trinity, Manistee and Priest-in-Charge of St. John’s, Onekama (Mission Region 3). 

Ms. Carol Moggo is a member of St. Francis, Grayling (Mission Region 2). 

The Rev. Dr. Jared C. Cramer is the rector of St. John’s, Grand Haven (Mission Region 6).

The Rev. Jed Fox, being duly appointed by the Standing Committee, fills one of two Representative spaces for that body on Diocesan Council. He is the rector of St. Mark’s, Grand Rapids (Mission Region 5). 

Ms. Dana Phillips, being duly appointed by the Standing Committee, fills one of two Representative spaces for that body on Diocesan Council. She is a member of St. Paul’s, Greenville (Mission Region 5).

The Very Rev. Brian Chace is retired and the Dean of Mission Region 4. 

The Ven. Linda Crane is Archdeacon and serves at Grace, Port Huron (Mission Region 9).

Ms. Freya Gilbert is a member of St. Paul’s in St. Joseph (Mission Region 7).

The Rev. Alicia Hager is rector of Emmanuel, Hastings (Mission Region 10). 

Ms. Gloria Lara is a member of St. Mark’s Grand Rapids (Mission Region 5). 

Mr. Chris Lauckner is a member of St. John’s, Midland (Mission Region 8). 

The Rev. Tom Manney is the rector of St. Paul’s, Flint (Mission Region 9).

Mr. Ryan Talaski is a member of St. Alban’s, Bay City (Mission Region 8).

Mr. Ed Walthers is a member of St. Paul’s, Flint (Mission Region 9).

The following full-time diocesan program staff members (and the chancellor) are ex officio members of Diocesan Council and have voice but not vote:

  • Ms. McKenzie Bade-Knill, Director for Formation and Camping
  • Mr. William Fleener, Jr., Chancellor
  • The Rev. Alan C. James, Interim Executive Officer
  • Ms. Angela Krueger, Assistant to the Bishop
  • The Rev. Cn. Tracie Little, Director for Vocation and Equipping
  • The Rev. Cn. Nurya Love Parish, Director for Mission and Community Engagement
  • Ms. Sara Philo, CFO & Benefits Administrator
  • Ms. Rachel Rose, Director for Communication
  • Mr. Mark Sullivan, Diocesan Administrator