Commission Index

Commissions of The Diocese of Oregon

Commission on Ministry of the Ordained

The Commission on Ministry of the Ordained (COM-O) is advisory to the Bishop, and supports the work of the Church in discerning and shepherding those who may be called to ordained ministry. Made up of fifteen lay and ordained individuals, the Commission meets monthly on the first Thursday. Meetings include interviews of people in the ordination process, ordination and discernment policy review and revision, and strategic planning. Commission members are appointed by the Bishop, typically for five-year terms. The Commission’s partner group is the Commission on Ministry of the Baptized (COM-B).

Committee for Baptismal Ministry Development

The Committee for Baptismal Ministry Development (COM-B) has been working on developing training for discernment committees in congregations and/or convocations this year. Discernment is an important part of all of our lives as Christians – we must be able to listen and listen again for that small voice from within of where God might be calling us.

Ecumenical and Interfaith Commission

The mission of the Ecumenical and Interfaith Commission is to meet everyone at the crossroads of faith, to provide resources for dialogue and understanding, and to fulfill God’s word to Jeremiah: “Stand at the crossroads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way lies; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.”

Commission to End Racism

The goal of the commission is to make ourselves, and others, more aware of the divisiveness (sin) of racism, to give us skills to confront racism in ourselves and in institutions, to transform ourselves, and the people around us, to become a more open and just community based on love for each other.

Environmental Commission

The Environmental Commission of the Diocese of Oregon is a group of lay and clergy leaders of the diocese who focus on environmental issues from the perspective of a people of faith.

The Commission for the Fund for the Poor and Homeless

The Commission for the Distribution of Funds for the Poor and Homeless has been in existence for many years. We are made up of representatives from each convocation and we meet three times a year. Our specific task is to distribute the funds gathered from the churches in gathering’s at Thanksgiving and the monies from the basket raffle held during convention. Each year ministries of the churches apply for monies and can receive up to $1000 to help support their work on the behalf of the poor and homeless.

Liturgical & Music Commission

This commission has recently reorganized after several years’ inactivity. Our first meeting created goals to provide leadership and planning for the Diocesan Convention Liturgy; developing, publishing, and seeking diocesan-wide consensus regarding visitation and ordination liturgies; continuing to offer a leadership program for musicians; and sponsoring or supporting effective workshops for lay ministers, musicians, and clergy.

Personnel Committee

The Personnel Committee reviews relationships regarding clergy and lay employees of the church and to make recommendations of standards and procedures in such concern as compensation, benefits, job expectations, styles of review, and mutual evaluations to Council for action and approval.

Recovery Commission

The Recovery Commission aspires to serve the community as a resource network for understanding addiction and its impact. We continue to carry the message of recovery through parish liaisons, educational workshops, and our work with national Episcopal Recovery organization.