Are there theological reasons supporting parish incorporation?
Yes. In every step of the restructuring process, the Diocese of Phoenix has been guided by: (1) the theology of communio, (2) the principle of subsidiarity, and (3) the responsibility of stewardship. First, with respect to the theology of communio, we must keep in mind who we are as a church. Everything that we do, from establishing a civil structure, to taking other steps to guide the daily operations of a parish, must be connected to the mission which God has entrusted to the Church. Through parish incorporation, clergy and laity will work together in the administration of parish affairs, and in the continued outreach of parish ministries, which will enhance the communion of the parish. Parishes will continue to interact with the broader Diocese, and the Diocese will continue to provide administrative support to the parishes. In effect, the Diocese will continue to exist as a communion of communions, and the theology of communio will continue to guide everything that we do as individ
