The Standing Committee acts as a council of advice to the Bishop. It also acts as the ecclesiastical authority of the Church in the absence of the bishop. The following duties fall under the jurisdiction of the Standing Committee:

• Consents required under New York State law when real property owned by the church is sold.
• Approvals necessary before a congregation can incure certain levels of indebtedness.
• Consents to the consecration of bishops in the church.
• Consents to the election of bishops within the church.
• Approval of ordinations to the priesthood within the diocese.
• Approval of ordinations to the diaconate within the diocese.
• Approval of candidacy for Holy Orders. (See also the Commission on Ministry)