Stannard Baker, Deacon
The Executive Council of the Episcopal Church needs to have a deacon member, not just to check a box, but because the voice of the community of deacons is essential in the councils of the church. With the Archdeacon of Maine cycling off, the Executive Council will have no deacon members. If elected, I will bring a diaconal perspective, and also act as a liaison to the community of deacons in the wider Episcopal Church. I have a passion for social justice, formation, and pastoral care. I have served as a General Convention deputy six times, as a deacon deputy at a time that there were very few deacons on the floor of the House of Deputies. I have modeled the powerful servant leadership of deacons. In my beloved Diocese of Vermont, I have served as Safe Church Coordinator, on the Commission on Ministry, and the Standing Committee. I am currently Archdeacon and also the Chaplain for Retired Clergy. I have also worked for decades on bringing same sex marriage, and marriage rites to our church – first as a member of our diocesan taskforce on same sex blessings, on the Province I taskforce, and then on the Blessings Taskforce, and finally on the Legislative Committee on Marriage, when rites were finally approved at the 2015 GC in Salt Lake City. I want to note that my husband, Peter Harrigan, and I were plaintiffs in the Freedom to Marry lawsuit in Vermont, the Baker Case, culminating in Civil Union. As a deacon, I am bi-vocational – my secular job is as a psychotherapist, working with children, families, and those who have experienced trauma. One of my specialties is working with people who are neurodivergent and with their families. My skills in listening at times of tension, growth, change and challenge will serve me well on the Executive Council. I am honored to have been asked by our community of deacons to place my name in the running for Executive Council. Thank you.