What is Annual Council?
Duties of Council as specified in the Constitution and Canons
Annual Council is held once a year at a place chosen by the previous Council. It is up to the Executive Committee to choose the time and date of the Council. The Annual Council of the Diocese of Mississippi is usually held during the Season of Epiphany, either January or February. The Council is given several powers by the Constitution and Canons of the Diocese. Firstly, it is given the power to adopt Canons for the diocese in addition to any other action deemed necessary for the conduct of the affairs of the Diocese that are not in conflict with either the Constitution and Canons of the Diocese or those of the general Church, including the debate and passage of various resolutions submitted to the Council. With the bishop, the Council is given all temporal powers of the Diocese, except those delegated to some officer, agency, or committee during the interim between Councils. The Council also has the authority to discuss and pass the annual budget.
Delegates and Officers of Council
Members of the Council consist of the Bishop, all clergy who are canonically resident within the Diocese, and lay delegates who represent the missions and parishes in union with the Diocese. Each parish is entitled to send three lay delegates and each mission one delegate to the Council. Lay delegates are chosen for a year's term and represent the mission or parish from which they are elected for the Annual Council and any Special Councils that may be called in the interim. All lay delegates must be confirmed communicants at least 18 years of age, who are canonically resident and are eligible for suffrage at the annual meeting of the parish or mission they represent.
The bishop of the Diocese serves as the President of Council. If the office of Bishop is vacant, the president of the Standing Committee serves as the President. In addition, a secretary, treasurer, and registrar are chosen from among the lay and clerical delegates. A chancellor is chosen to serve as legal councilor to the bishop and Council. The Canons allow other offices to be chosen by the Council, including delegates to General Convention, Provincial Synod, and Trustees of the Diocese, a legal corporation created by the Legislature of the state of Mississippi to represent the Diocese in all legal and financial matters.
Business Meetings of Council
Each Council must elect a Standing Committee and an Executive Committee. The Standing Committee consists of four presbyters and four lay communicants. These must be canonically residents of the Diocese and are regular participants in the work and worship of their parish or mission. The Executive Committee must consist of not less than six presbyters and six lay communicants. Other business of the Council are conducted in accordance with Canon 10 of the Canons of the Diocese.
Special Councils
Special Councils may be called by the Ecclesiastical Authority of the Diocese (the bishop, or the Standing Committee if the office of Bishop is vacant). The bishop must call a Special Council if the Standing Committee so requests it. If the office of the Bishop is vacant, the Standing Committee must call a Special Council within sixty days of the vacancy. The purpose of a called Special Council must be made known to every cleric, parish or mission warden. No other business may be transacted during a Special Council except that which is published when the meeting is called.
A Mississippi House Party
Annual Council, above and beyond the business of the Diocese, is a time to gather as a Church family. The atmosphere of Council is very much like that of a large family reunion. All communicants of the Diocese are invited and encouraged to attend. Non-delegate visitors at Council will find a variety of activities and events in which to participate. The opening business session of Council begins with Evening Prayer.The bishop's annual address is given at this time and "courtesy resolutions" are read and passed. On the second day, while business sessions are being conducted, exhibits are available for viewing that illustrate the work and mission of the Diocese. The churches that host Council are usually open to visitors as well, and the sites and attractions of the host cities may be experienced and enjoyed. At the end of the second day, a dinner and dance provides more opportunity to socialize and catch up with old friends. The final day of Council is concluded with a diocesan celebration of the Holy Eucharist, a glorious celebration bringing the entire diocese together for worship and praise.
For more information about the next Annual Council, and to find registration forms, see the information at the top of this page. To truly experience the diocesan life of our Church, plan to attend the next Council!
