A Users' Guide for Episcopalians

Who is in charge of the Episcopal Church? In a sense, we all are. Unlike other churches where decision-making powers rest exclusively with bishops and other clergy, lay people in the Episcopal Church play an active role in determining oversight and legislation. The two primary leadership groups in the Church nationwide are the House of Bishops, with 300+ active and retired members, and the House of Deputies, with 800+ members that include four clergy and four lay people as elected representatives of each diocese. Among the duties of these two Houses is electing the Presiding Bishop for the entire Episcopal Church. And here at St. Thomas, each member of the parish is encouraged to attend our Annual Meeting in the spring to vote on decisions of parish policy and activity.