So . . .Tell Me All About This
Province Business....

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Province VII, The Province of the Southwest, is one of 9 geographical provinces in The Episcopal Church (TEC).

There are twelve dioceses assigned to Province VII.

The Province is guided by Canons, or rules. These must be in accordance with the Canons of TEC. Our Canons may be changed at Synod.

The Province meets every three years at Synod to handle the business of the province. Synod is held the fall prior to the General Convention in the spring. Each diocese in the province sends four lay deputies and four clergy deputies to Synod. About half of our dioceses use the same deputies for Synod and for General Convention. About half send different deputies to each gathering. Every Bishop, both active and retired, who has (or had) an active role as a Bishop in the province may be seated at Synod.

In the past, one Convocation has been held between the Synods. The purpose of a Convocation was to present a program for the ministry of the diocese. There was to be no business session at Convocation. This triennium the Council made the decision to do without a Convocation because of financial budgeting constraints.

In the time between Synods, the business of the province is handled by the Provincial Council.

All Officers and the three Members at Large are elected at Synod for three year terms.

Either the President or the Vice-President of the Province MUST be a Bishop. That Bishop also serves as the President of the Provincial House of Bishops. The Members at Large may be lay, clergy or a Bishop. The Representatives to Executive Council serve for six years. At each Synod, one representative is elected. One time, a clergy is elected.

The next time, a lay person is elected.The Ministry of the Province is carried out largely through the Ministry NetworksRight now, Province VII has 12 active Ministry Networks:

Anti-Racism
Christian Formation
Episcopal Relief and Development
Episcopal Church Women
Higher Education
Older Adult Ministries
Prison and Restorative Justice
Young Adults
Youth

Some of these Ministry Networks try to have a representative from each diocese and they meet regularly. Others are smaller and serve as “resources” to dioceses and congregations. Network Chairs are appointed by the Provincial Council for a period of three years. They may be reappointed for an additional three year term if they wish.

Province VII Website: www.Province7.org
The Provincial Coordinator:Ms. Sally Russell
sallyruss@sbcglobal.net
620-694-9145
2 Hyde Park Drive
Hutchinson, KS 67502