Britannica
Sources used in this answer
How are dioceses organized in the Episcopal Church?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
The Episcopal Church
Washington National Cathedral, Washington, D.C.
In the Episcopal Church, a diocese is a geographic area comprised of various parishes and missions, overseen by a bishop. The organization of these dioceses functions as follows:1
- Leadership: Each diocese is headed by a bishop, who is elected by an annual convention consisting of clergy and laity representing all congregations within that area.1
- Governance: The annual convention serves as the primary body for conducting the business of the diocese.1
- Congregational Structure: Within the diocese, self-supporting congregations, known as parishes, elect a lay governing board called a vestry to manage temporal affairs and select a rector as their spiritual leader. Congregations that are not self-supporting are classified as missions and are directed by the diocesan bishop.1
- Broader Affiliation: Dioceses are part of the wider church structure, participating in the triennial General Convention, which serves as the church's governing body.1