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Nominations Sought for Canon Review Committee
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A Season of Renewal: Nominations Sought for
The Committee to Review the Terminology and Canons of the Diocese
At the 55th Annual Convention of the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast, the Convention adopted a resolution establishing a Committee to Review the Terminology and Canons of the Diocese. This resolution invites us into a season of prayerful renewal—an opportunity to reflect on how our governing documents serve the mission to which Christ calls us.
The Canons of the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast are the covenantal framework for our shared life. They guide how we organize ministry, define congregational status, conduct the business of Convention, and live out our union as Mission Stations, Organized Missions, and Parishes. Yet most of our Canons have remained largely unchanged since their adoption in 1971. In the decades since, patterns of congregational life, clergy leadership, technology, and diocesan administration have evolved significantly. The language and assumptions that once served us well now invite thoughtful review.
In response, Convention has called for the Bishop, under Rule IV of the Rules of Order, to appoint a committee—jointly with the Standing Committee—through an open nomination process. This committee will:
Listen for the Holy Spirit through prayer, Scripture study, and discernment.
Review the Canons and in particular Canons 15, 16, 17, and 20 regarding Congregation status and their consistent application.
Examine Canon III.4.D and the meaning of “status as a Parish in union with the Diocese.”
Review Terminology as it relates to clergy titles and their effectiveness in conducting Convention business.
Consider clarifications regarding the use of technology in diocesan governance.
Develop recommendations to ensure that every Congregation—Mission Station, Organized Mission, and Parish—is empowered to contribute fully to our shared mission.
The committee will begin their work by the Feast of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist (June 24, 2026) to establish its working structure and begin its work. A final report, including recommendations and any necessary resolutions, will be presented to the 56th Annual Convention in accordance with Rule VI.
Composition of the Committee: The committee will consist of 7–12 members, appointed jointly by the Bishop and Standing Committee. The resolution calls for representation reflecting:
Geographic diversity across the Diocese
Diversity in demographics
A range of talents and professional expertise
Representation from different orders of ministry (lay and ordained)
Voices at a critical distance from diocesan power structures
An Invitation: This is not merely a technical review. It is spiritual work. We are being asked: How do our structures reflect our theology? How do our Canons support—not hinder—the mission entrusted to us? How do we articulate clearly what it means to be “in union” as a Diocese in this moment in history?
If you feel called to serve—or know someone who should be considered—we invite you to submit a nomination using the following form:
Please join in prayer that the Holy Spirit will guide this work for the sake of Christ’s Church and the flourishing of our shared mission and ministry.
