Governance
Our newly ratified Constitution and Canons speak boldly to build unity among these varying ecclesial structures and to tear down the institutional walls that separate us.
Canon III
Of Clergy and Laity in Other Jurisdictions
Those Clergy and Laity within the boundaries of The Gulf Atlantic Diocese who are in canonical relationship with the Anglican Church in North America but are under other jurisdictional relationships (e.g. Anglican Mission in America, Reformed Episcopal Church) are welcomed into partnership with this Diocese upon request to the Bishop or Ecclesiastical authority. They shall be accorded full participation in the shared life and ministry of this Diocese with the exceptions of serving on the Standing Committee or electing members of Standing Committee. They may determine their representation to the Synod up to the limits as prescribed by the Canons.
The Gulf Atlantic Diocese is now governed by Bishop Elect Neil Lebhar; an elected Standing Committee of three clergy and three lay members; and a Diocesan Council with a total of thirteen appointed and elected members.
The new Constitution & Canons envision a model focused on ministry imperatives identified at the local level. Currently we have identified four Deaneries with clergy and lay oversight for each. Each Deanery will represent a cluster of geographically contiguous churches with the primary goal to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ and to change the hearts of a hurting world.
All Gulf Atlantic Diocese clergy meet together on a bi-monthly schedule, excluding the summer months, for prayer, fellowship, and continuing education.
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