Governance

The Diocese

In The Episcopal Church, a diocese refers to the territorial jurisdiction of a diocesan bishop; the term also refers to the congregations and church members in that territory. The diocese is headed by a bishop, and usually governed by a standing committee, comprised of clergy and lay representatives from the diocese. The standing committee is elected at the diocesan convention, which occurs annually, and serves as a council of advice to the bishop.

Constitution and Canons

Learn more about our diocese’s organization and administration, as well as its governing rules (i.e., canons) by reading our The Episcopal Church in Colorado Constitution & Canons [PDF]. The Constitution & Canons for The Episcopal Church [PDF] are reviewed and revised during that triennial meeting.

Annual Convention of The Episcopal Church in Colorado

The Annual Convention convenes each year to do the business of the diocese, as outlined in the Constitution and Canons. Visit the Annual Convention Page for more information on that convention.

The Office of the Bishop

The Office of the Bishop exists to serve the mission of the Church as it is lived out in every congregation of the diocese. For a complete listing of the staff in the Office of the Bishop, their areas of responsibility, and contact information, click here.

Diocesan Regions

The Episcopal Church in  Colorado is comprised of five regions – the Northwestern, Southwestern, Sangre de Cristo, High Plains and Front Range – each of which has a Regional Missioner who reports to the Bishop. These regions encourage and promote ownership, commitment, and partnership in local mission initiatives; facilitate the participation of clergy and lay leadership in the councils of the Church (i.e., Diocesan Convention and General Convention); and strengthen communication between the leadership of the Regions and the Bishop’s Office. Learn more about the Regions

Diocesan Committees

In addition, several committees help to form and enforce diocesan policy and programs, including holy orders, faith formation, congregational development and spiritual direction.

Following are the some committees that serve the diocese and the congregations of Colorado:

General Convention

The Episcopal Church in Colorado is represented at the General Convention of The Episcopal Church, which takes place every three years, by the Bishop and clergy and lay deputies.