Committee to Elect a Bishop Biographies and Statements – Lay
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MR. DAVID SHOVER
Parish: Congregation of St. Savior, Cathedral of St. John the Divine, Manhattan
Occupation: Retired in 2007, Executive Director, Episcopal Charities
Church Positions: Zion Episcopal Church, Dobbs Ferry: Treasurer, 1978-80; Senior Warden, 1980-85. Diocesan Budget Committee: Member, 1989, Chair, 1990-92. Diocesan Assessment Review Committee: Chair, 1992-93. Adjustment Board: 1992-2007. Congregational Support Plan Committee: 2010 – Present. Episcopal Charities: Executive Director, 1996-2007; Advisory Committee, 2009 – Present Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine: Member of Choir, 1987-2010.
Community Positions: CLUSTER, Board of Directors, 1988-2000; Chair, 1991-2000. Foundation for Religion & Mental Health, Board of Directors, 1983-2008; Chair, 2001-2008. Westchester Community Foundation, Board of Advisors, 2008–Present.
The nominations process for a Bishop provides a singular opportunity for the people of the Diocese to assess their priorities for Diocesan mission and articulate the leadership qualities required to see that mission fulfilled. The Committee to Elect a Bishop is charged with the responsibility to organize a process that provides maximum opportunity for input from every corner of the Diocese, that clearly sets forth the expectations of the people of the Diocese for its leaders, and that brings forward candidates with the leadership and prophetic qualities to challenge the Church in complicated and trying times.
GERALD E. (JERRY) ROSS, ESQ.
160 West End Ave., Apt. 24E, New York, NY 10023
Parish: Christ and St. Stephen’s, Manhattan
Occupation: Lawyer
Church Positions: Vestry/Treasurer, Christ & St. Stephen, 1980’s (6 years); Trustee of the Diocese, approx. 12 years; Standing Committee, 2 terms; Bishop Search Committee for Bishop Sisk; Diocesan Real Estate Committee; Canons Committee; other ad hoc Diocesan tasks.
Community Positions: Trustee and Volunteer Lawyer, Community Law Offices – Legal Aid Society of NY; President, 160 West End Avenue Owners Corp. (500 unit coop apartment), 1987 to present; various NY City Bar Association Committees and NYS Bar Association Committees.
Based on my 30 years of experience with the Diocese of New York, I strongly believe that a bishop should be the point person to identify parishes that need support and do what he or she can to make sure that support is forthcoming. Our Diocese has many issues involving the property owned by its parishes, parish and diocesan finances, building congregations and other challenges that are not necessarily taught in seminary. Parish priests are not always in a position, or have the resources, to address these kinds of issues themselves. My view is that a bishop should be aware enough of these kinds of issues and challenges to enable him or her to marshal the resources available in the diocese to address such matters and do what he or she can, with the assistance of the Diocesan staff, to make sure that parishes get the support they need and deserve.