All major decisions affecting the life of the Episcopal Church are made jointly by lay people, clergy, and bishops.
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.
Dec. 2024-2025 Diocesan Council Schedule of Meetings
Diocesan Council meets at DaySpring in the Bishop Haynes Meeting Room.
Oct. 2024-2025 Commission on Ministry (COM) Meeting Dates
The Commission on Ministry Meets from 1-4:00 p.m. at Diocesan House unless otherwise noted.
Nov. 2024-2025 Finance Committee Schedule of Meetings
The Finance Committee meets at 9:30 a.m. Diocesan House.
Endowment Fund Board Schedule of Meetings
Unless noted, the Endowment Fund Board meets at 2:00 p.m. Diocesan House.
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.
