How It Works

Parishes elect a vestry to govern the affairs of the parish in conjunction with the rector, who is sought and elected by the vestry. Parishes also elect lay delegates to attend an annual diocesan convention with all the diocese’s clergy and bishops. Diocesan conventions vote on the major policy decisions of the diocese, set the budget for the diocese, and, at times, make statements about issues in the church and in civil society. Diocesan conventions also elect bishops to help lead their dioceses.

Diocesan conventions elect deputies as members of the House of Deputies of the Episcopal Church’s triennial General Convention. The General Convention sets the mission priorities, budget, and policies of the Episcopal Church for the next three years. It approves changes to the Church’s Constitution and Canons, and broadly defines the standards of worship.

Diocesan Council Schedule of Meetings

Diocesan Council meets at DaySpring in the Bishop Haynes Meeting Room.

  • February 17, 2024, 9 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
  • April 20, 2024, 9 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
  • June 15, 2024, 9 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
  • August 17, 2024, 9 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
  • *October 10, 2024, 3 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Meeting at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center
  • December 14, 2024, 9 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Finance Committee Schedule of Meetings

The Finance Committee meets at  9:30 a.m. Diocesan House.

  • March 12, 2024
  • May 14, 2024
  • July 9, 2024
  • August 13, 2024
  • September 10, 2024
  • November 12, 2024

Endowment Fund Board Schedule of Meetings

Unless noted, the Endowment Fund Board meets at  2:00 p.m. Diocesan House.

  • *February 20, 2024   – FUND BOARD LIVE:    2 p.m. – 4 p.m. at DaySpring-Classroom A/B
  • May 21, 2024
  • August 6, 2024
  • November 19, 2024

Diocesan Convention

Diocesan Annual Convention is the annual gathering and business meeting of the Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida. The 56th Annual Diocesan Convention will be held October 11-12, 2024 at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center in Punta Gorda.

Among other responsibilities, the Diocese’s 78 congregations approve the annual budget, elect persons to various boards and committees, and hear the convention address.

View The Annual Budget

View The Apportionment Schedule

Visit Convention Website

General Convention

General Convention is the legislative gathering of The Episcopal Church, held every three years. It has been held since 1785, when the first General Convention was held in Philadelphia.

The diocese of Southwest Florida is represented at General Convention by 4 clergy deputies and 1 clergy alternate and 4 lay deputies and 1 lay alternate for a total of 8 deputy votes in the House of Deputies.

Learn More

More about Committees & Officers

  • Diocesan Council & Standing Committee

    The Diocesan Council is an elected group of lay and clergy members that work as the “Board of Directors” for the corporation of the Diocese. The Standing Committee is a group of lay and clergy members who act as a confidential council of advice to the Bishop.

    Learn More

  • Nominating Committee

    Each year at the Annual Convention in October, the Diocese of Southwest Florida elects representatives to its committees, councils, and offices.

    Elective positions, including representatives to various boards and committees, are a critical part of the operations of the Diocese. Positions to be elected at the annual October convention include representatives to the Diocesan Council, the “Board of Directors” for the corporation of the Diocese, and members of the Standing Committee, which acts as a confidential council of advice to the Bishop.

    The Nominating Committee for these positions consists of seven persons, one from each deanery, plus the chair, who shall be a clergy Member of the Convention or an elector, and  shall be named by the Diocesan Council. Traditionally the seven are the members of Diocesan Council rotating off that year.

  • Disciplinary Board

    The Episcopal Church takes seriously its responsibility regarding Ecclesiastical Discipline and has a section of its canons, or rules, that govern the process by which clergy are disciplined. The section, entitled Canon IV, relates to Accountability and Ecclesiastical Discipline. As part of this process, each diocese elects members of the Disciplinary Board, which oversees all matters related to clergy discipline.  If you have concerns about the conduct of any clergy, contact our Diocesan Intake Officer, the Rev. Peter Lane at (727)-332-1249 or send him a secured encrypted email.

    See Current Members 

    How do I report misconduct of a member of the clergy?

    If you have concerns about the conduct of any clergy, contact our Diocesan Intake Officer, the Rev. Peter Lane at (727) 322-1249 or send him a secured encrypted email (below).

    What can you expect from the Intake Officer?

    • You will be listened to with respect.
    • You will be offered pastoral care and response.
    • The Intake Officer will create a written report regarding your concerns.
    • The Intake Officer will answer your questions about the process.

    Clergy are required to report to the Intake Officer anything that may constitute an offense and to cooperate with the clergy disciplinary process.

    Send Secure Email

  • Finance Committee

    Members serve three-year terms. No more than two consecutive terms. Election to fill an unexpired term is counted as a full term.

    See Current Members

  • Endowment Fund Board

    Members of the Endowment Fund Board are appointed by the Bishop and approved by Diocesan Council. The Board consists of five members who serve three-year terms for no more than two consecutive terms.

    See Current Members

     

Governance Resources

MAKE A DONATION

Support the Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida

Donate