AED Board Election
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Priest Candidate
The Rev. Canon Tanya Wallace
Diocese: New York Present Employment: Canon for Lay and Clergy Formation, Episcopal Diocese of New York Current Ministries: Oversee ordination process for deacons and priests, oversee Christian formation for the diocese Current Church Assignment: Diocese of New York (bishop's staff) Previous Positions: Rector in Western MA, Canon Educator in VT, Chair of COM in both dioceses, Executive Council of The Episcopal Church Education: B.A. from Mount Holyoke College, M.Div. from Union Theological Seminary Prior Board Experience: Executive Council (Board of Directors) of The Episcopal Church, General Board of Examining Chaplains, Rock Point School Board of Trustees Skill Sets: Discernment, formation, leadership development, non-profit experience, conflict resolution, clergy discipline, advocacy for the diaconate Question #1
How do you envision contributing to the AED Board? What are your special talents and gifts? I am passionate about walking with individuals and groups as they grow into the fullness of who God is calling them to be. My gifts include ministry discernment, Christian formation, group dynamics work, conflict transformation, and bridge building. And one of my dearest passions is supporting the diaconate, which I have done on every level, from discerning with and mentoring individuals, to transforming Commissions on Ministry, to testifying at General Convention on behalf of diaconal ministry. I am aware that AED has been looking to strengthen its leadership and diakonia in The Episcopal Church, while continuing to support deacons and uphold the diaconate. I would be honored to be part of that transformational work as we build leaders, embrace change, and advocate boldly. Question #2 What is your vision for the future of the Association for Episcopal Deacons?At General Convention 2024, I was Deputy Chair of the Ministry Committee, the group that worked specifically with resolution D023. I led the charge in proclaiming its support, reclaiming it when the bishops removed funding, giving voice to the deacons at committee hearings, speaking to its importance on the floor of the House of Deputies, and seeing it through to a final vote. The Venerable Stan Baker was one of my dearest friends and my daughter’s godfather; I was his mentor in the ordination process. I am delighted that the Executive Council is continuing this work in his name. I feel called to continue to support the work of the diaconate — and the growth and health of AED — until our church is one where the diaconate is fully honored, celebrated, and supported at the level it deserves. The diaconate is the heart and hands of The Episcopal Church. I used to say it’s my hope for the future of the church, but really it’s my hope for the church today. We need the work of AED to guide us all in taking seriously the needs of the world. My vision for the future of AED is one that builds on its strengths, serving as a bold and healthy organization of support, advocacy, and vision throughout the church. The late Bishop Tom Ely and I liked to call a group of deacons a disturbance. May we continue to grow the disturbance of deacons throughout The Episcopal Church! |