CONVENTIONS
GOVERNMENT / ORGANIZATION:
The word episcopal comes from the Greek word meaning "of or relatingto
bishops" and refers to the organizational structure of the church, which
has bishops as its chief pastors. The word episcopal is generally
used in those churches which believe that the authority of bishops, ordained
through the Laying on of Hands by other bishops, has come down in an unbroken
line from Christ's Apostles.
The diocesan bishop serves as the chief pastor of a diocese,
a jurisdiction of parishes in a given territory. The diocese is governed
by its bishop and a diocesan convention made up of the clergy ofthe
diocese and lay delegates elected by the parishes - in the Dioceseof Massachusetts,
the convention meets each November. All in the clergy who are canonically
resident in the diocese and lay delegates elected torepresent their parishes
are eligible to vote at convention. In addition to the annual convention,
special conventions may be called for important matters such as the election
of a bishop.
The 214th Diocesan Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts
is scheduled to meet at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul (138 Tremont Street)
in Boston on November 5 & 6, 1999. Its primary work will be to
address certain resolutions and changes to the canons (or laws) of the
diocese, and to elect officers of the diocese.
Check here often for updates! Virtually
live updates will be posted during Diocesan Convention, November 5-6.
The 213th Diocesan Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts
met in Boston on November 6 & 7, 1998.
The 212th Diocesan Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of
Massachusetts met in Boston on November 7 & 8, 1997.
A Special Diocesan Convention
was held in Boston on May 10, 1997. The links below give brief descriptions
of the new Mission Focus and addresses by Bishops Shaw and Harris detailing
the Mission Focus.
The General Convention is the
national legislative body of the Episcopal Church in the USA, a member
of the world-wide Anglican Communion. The Convention includes the 800+
House of Deputies -- up to four clergy and four lay persons from every
diocese; and a House of Bishops -- nearly300 active and retired bishops.
The Convention meets every three years, for a ten-day legislative session,
and its powers are established by the first article of the Church's Constitution.
The Houses meet and act separately, and both must concur in order to adopt
legislation. The most recent meeting was held in July 1997 in Philadelphia.
The 73rd General Convention of the Episcopal Church of the United
States of America will meet in the year 2000 in Denver, Colorado.
Information is now available at the link below.
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Last modified: 5 October 1999