In the House of Bishops, all 300 bishops of the Episcopal Church, active and retired, are entitled to seat, voice and vote (except for consent to elections of bishops, for which only diocesan bishops may vote). The House of Bishops is chaired by the Primate of the Episcopal Church, Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori.

The House of Bishop also meets twice a year in between meetings of General Convention, once in the fall and once in the spring, at varying locations.

The House of Bishops and House of Deputies meet, deliberate, and vote separately. To be enacted, resolutions must pass both houses in the same language. Both houses have the right to amend legislation, but any amendment must be accepted by the other house.

The House of Deputies comprises eight deputies from each of the Episcopal Church’s 110 domestic and overseas dioceses (and the Convocation of Churches in Europe), no matter the size of the diocese. The Diocese of North Dakota, with 21 congregations, has as many deputies representing it as does the Diocese of West Texas with 90 congregations (and as does the Diocese of Texas with 156 congregations). Each diocesan deputation includes four lay persons and four priests and/or deacons. Each diocese also elects eight alternate deputies to General Convention. In West Texas, all 16 deputies and alternate deputies attend General Convention. Click the gold tab above labeled “Deputation”.

Deputies are not delegates; that is, they are not elected to represent the electing dioceses. Deputies vote their conscience for the good of the Church. They cannot be instructed to vote one way or another, for to do so would preclude godly debate and preempt the work of the Holy Spirit.Deputies are expected to serve on committees, if appointed, to attend forums and hearings, to read the reports to the church from its commissions, committees and appointed boards, to listen to, and if so moved, to respond to resolutions on the floor of the house. The House of Deputies is chaired by the President of the House, Bonnie Anderson, who was elected by that body at the 75th General Convention to serve throughout the triennium. Anderson is from the Diocese of Michigan.

One of the most interesting parts of convention is the Exhibit Hall, which is reminiscent of an oriental souk: it is a marketplace of goods and ideas in which the organizations and interest groups within the church present their wares, recruit members, and, sometimes, do their best to influence legislation. In addition, many church-related organizations hold meetings in conjunction with convention, and there are lunches and dinners hosted by seminaries, provinces, societies, boards and staff offices of the church.

The first day of General Convention is Wednesday, July 8.  Activities of interest include the first Legislative Sessions, the Opening Eucharist, and Legislative committees meetings.  For the next 10 days our deputation’s day begins at 7:30 am and continues until Legislative Session recess at 6:00 pm.  Most evenings are filled with meetings or events lasting until 10:00 pm.