Diocesan Council

Overview

The Diocesan Council carries forward the work of the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island between annual meetings of Diocesan Convention. Much as a vestry serves a parish, the Council helps guide the diocese's shared mission, priorities, and resources. 

Responsibilities 

The Diocesan Council helps shape the diocesan budget for presentation to Convention, establishes policy, oversees diocesan programs, and works to put the priorities established by Convention into practice. 

The Council is also intended to foster collaboration across the diocese, ensuring that decisions about grants, new mission initiatives, and the allocation of resources reflect our shared priorities and commitment to ministry. 

Membership 

The Bishop of Long Island serves as president of the Diocesan Council. Its membership includes clergy and lay representatives elected by Diocesan Convention, appointed members, and certain diocesan officers who serve by virtue of their office. 

Current Members

Ex-Officio

The Rt. Rev. Adam J. Shoemaker

President

Pearson Griffith

Treasurer of the Diocese

The Rev. Cn. Jenn Pilat

Secretary of Convention

Serving until 2026

Michelle Chester

Jeffery Gardner

The Rev. Sarah Kooperkamp

The Rev. Jason Moskal

The Rev. Abby Murphy

Serving until 2027

The Rev. Cn. Pierre Damus

Dorothy Laffin

The Rev. Lauren McLeavey

Merrick Williams

Serving until 2028

The Rev. Walter Lau

The Rev. Kate Schneider

Christie Toussaint

Linda Watson-Lorde

How to Get Involved 

Elected positions on the Diocesan Council are filled through Diocesan Convention. Clergy and laypeople with an interest in diocesan mission, leadership, and planning are encouraged to consider serving. 

For information about nominations and opportunities to serve, please contact Fr. Eddie Alleyne, chair of the Nominating Committee, at ealleyne@dioceseli.org.