What is the structure of the Episcopal Church?
Within the Episcopal Church all people are ministers. Some are called into special ministry positions to which they are “ordained.” These are deacons, priests, and bishops who are together called “clergy.” All others are called “lay people.” All participate in the work of the church and all participate in its governance. “Episcopal” means “governed by bishops.” An unbroken line of bishops may be traced back to the early church commissioned by Jesus. Bishops are the spiritual overseers of their dioceses (groups of churches, parishes and missions), which elected them to office. Bishops act as counselors to clergy; ordain ( or “invest officially with priestly authority”) priests and deacons; consecrate(or “bless, invoke divine care for”) other bishops; administer Confirmation (a mature affirmation of one’s faith); are final counselors in church matters. Together, bishops share responsibility for the welfare of the church. Priests are parish leaders. The full scope of their duties covers e
