Governance
The ecclesiastical authority for the Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut is its diocesan bishop. In that person's absence, authority lies with the bishop suffragan first in order of ordinations, next, the bishop suffragan second in ordination. In the absence of any other bishops, authority lies with the Standing Committee, an elected committee of lay and clergy members.
The business of the Diocese is conducted at an annual convention, held in late October. All canonically resident clergy as well as elected delegates from each parish are eligible to attend, participate in deliberations, and vote on the proposed budget for the upcoming year, and other resolutions.
In between sessions of the convention, the Bishop and Diocesan Executive Council meets to conduct the business of the Diocese, including the corporations of the Missionary Society and Camp Washington, Inc. Its membership is comprised the bishop, a secretary, and one lay and one clergy member elected from each deanery, plus several members-at-large, appointed by the bishop. The Council meets quarterly to conduct regular business.
The Diocese has its own Constitution and Canons that govern our common life. The copy linked here is not updated and is in the process of being revised. A vote on changes will take place an an Annual Meeting.
The Episcopal Church is comprised of over 100 dioceses, including the Diocese of Connecticut. The Episcopal Church is headed by a presiding bishop, or primate, the Most. Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori. The business of The Episcopal Church is conducted in triennial General Conventions. Each diocese elects, at one of its annual meetings, up to four clergy and four lay deputies to attend the General Convention, take part in its deliberations, and vote on resolutions.
BIshops also attend and participate.
The Episcopal Church has its own Constitution and Canons, which supercede Diocesan canons in cases of conflict.
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