OUR GOVERNANCE & STRUCTURE
The Episcopal Church is part of the Anglican Communion and is composed of 109 dioceses in 17 nations and territories.
The Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina is one of those 109 dioceses and is organized according to its Constitution and Canons.
Meet the Bishops
The diocese is led by Bishop Sam Rodman and Bishop Jennifer Brooke-Davidson. Bishop Sam is the bishop diocesan, which means he is the ecclesiastical authority (a.k.a. the leader of the diocese) elected by clergy and lay people from each church in the diocese. Bishop Jennifer is an assistant bishop, which means she is appointed by Bishop Sam to serve as a co-leader of the diocese.
ANNUAL CONVENTION
In addition to the leadership of our two bishops, the diocese is governed by the Annual Convention, which meets annually and is made up of clergy from across the diocese and elected lay delegates from each of our 105 congregations. Annual Convention elects bishops, votes on matters important to the life of the diocese, elects leaders and helps to implement the vision for the diocese.
DIOCESAN COUNCIL
When the convention is not in session, Diocesan Council serves as the “convention between conventions,” meeting times a year to make decisions along with other committees and task forces. Members of Diocesan Council are both clergy and lay people who are elected by Annual Convention. Fun Fact: Not all dioceses allow deacons to serve on Diocesan Council, but North Carolina does!
STANDING COMMITTEE
The Standing Committee is an elected body that serves as a council of advice to the bishop and also has specific canonical responsibilities relating to church real estate transactions and the ordination process. Members of Standing Committee also are both clergy and lay people who are elected by Annual Convention.
Diocesan Officers & Committees
In addition to our bishops, staff and elected leaders on Diocesan Council and Standing Committee, many other clergy and lay leaders contribute to the smooth running of our diocese and its many ministries.
CONVOCATIONS
The diocese is divided into seven geographic convocations to encourage greater local collaboration. Each convocation is led by a clergy dean and a lay warden
Province IV
The Diocese of North Carolina is one of 20 dioceses across nine Southeastern states that comprise Province IV. Like a convocation within the diocese, the church-wide provinces encourage shared regional ministry and support.
JOURNAL OF CONVENTION
GENERAL CONVENTION
The General Convention is the governing body of The Episcopal Church. Every three years it meets as a bicameral legislature that includes the House of Deputies and the House of Bishops, composed of deputies and bishops from each diocese.
