Anti-Racism Committee
Leads synod-wide anti-racism efforts and training
The Rev. Marcia Parkinson-Harrison, and The Rev. Alex Raabe, Co-Chairs
Audit Committee*
Recommends the appointment of the independent accountants and reviews their annual financial statements, reports, and recommendations
S. Dcn. Donna-Mari Fieldsa, Director of Finance & Grant Management for the Office of the Bishop
John Litke, MNYS Council Treasurer
Candidacy Committee
Works with people who want to become ELCA rostered ministers
The Rev. Elise Brown, Chair
The Rev. Rebecca Seely, Candidacy Coordinator for the Office of the Bishop
Clergy Compensation Guidelines Task Force
Reviews the guidelines for clergy compensation
S. Dcn. Donna-Mari Fieldsa, Director of Finance & Grant Management for the Office of the Bishop
Constitution Review Committee
Works with congregations and their constitution updates
The Rev. Robert Schoepflin, MNYS Council Secretary
Consultation Committee*
Works with congregations in crisis
12 persons, elected by the Synod Assembly
Discipline Committee*
Investigates situations where the discipline of a rostered minister may be needed
12 persons, elected by the Synod Assembly
Environmental Stewardship Committee
Educates and encourages congregations to act with greater environmental responsibility
Gerard Falco, Chair
Executive Committee*
Reviews items to come before the Synod Council
Christopher Vergara, MNYS Council Vice-president & Chair
S. Dcn. Gayle Ruege, Executive Assistant to the Bishop
Hunger Committee
Promotes action on hunger issues
S. Dcn. Karen Nurmi, Chair
MNYS Assembly Planning Team
Plans and manages details at the Synod Assembly
MNYS Communications & Events Staff
The Rev. Paul Johnsen, Synod Assembly Coordinator
Nomination and Election Committee
Solicits and organizes nominations for synod offices and some synod committees; compiles, distributes, and counts ballots and reports results at the Synod Assembly
The Rev. Kevin O’Hara, Chair
Reference and Counsel Committee
Collects and makes recommendations on resolutions being presented to the Synod Assembly
The Rev. Martha Cruz and The Rev. Rebecca Pollicino, Co-Chairs
Synodically-Rostered Diaconate Council
Sets policies for deacons’ education and performance
S. Dcn. George Guinnan, Chair
The Rev. Christopher Mietlowski, Representative for the Office of the Bishop
Tanzania Companionship Committee
Works to enrich our companion synod relationship with the North Western Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania
The Rev. Perucy Butiku, Chair
Worship Committee
Plans synod-wide worship events and worship at synod assembly
The Rev. William Kroeze, Chair
Bishop Paul Egensteiner
*Standing committees are constitutionally mandated. Members of standing committees are elected by either the Synod Assembly or Synod Council. All other committees, task forces, tables, and initiative members are appointed by the bishop with the advice and consent of the Synod Council.