Governance of the Diocese

The links below pertain specifically to the governing of the Diocese and its congregations,.

Actions from the 2007 Diocesan Convention

The 222nd Diocesan Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts
was held Nov. 2-3, 2007, in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. The full list of
actions taken are listed in the attached PDF document. We summarize
the election results and actions on resolutions.

 

Convention Actions & Resolutions

Last revised: 
May 2008
 

Deaneries

The parishes of a diocese are divided by region into deaneries. Deaneries have a governmental function, since they each have representation on the Diocesan Council. There are 12 deaneries in the Diocese of Massachusetts, and each has a liaison in the diocesan offices.

 

Model Bylaws for Parishes

Last revised: 
Jan 2004

Sample parish by-laws which parishes me use to set up their own by-laws

 

The Constitution and Canons of the Diocese of Massachusetts

Last revised: 
Jan 2007

The canons (church laws) under which the Diocese of Massachusetts operates

 

The Diocesan Council

The Diocesan Council is a representative governing body of the Diocese which acts on behalf of the Diocesan Convention when it is not in session. Acting as an oversight governing body between conventions, the council meets regularly to ensure the smooth running of the Diocese. This includes:

 

The Standing Committee

The Standing Committee advises the bishops, hearing bishops’ concerns and offering thoughtful and prayerful responses. Standing Committee members also bring items of concern to the bishops for consideration and discussion.

The four lay and four clerical members of the Standing Committee are elected to four-year terms by Diocesan Convention, one clerical member and one lay member each year.

The Standing Committee serves a number of canonical functions: