DEPUTIES TO THE GENERAL CONVENTION 

3 year term
May be reelected
Four Deputies and Four Alternates will be elected in each Order
Elect: 16 

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The General Convention is comprised of two houses: 1) House of Deputies, and 2) House of Bishops. The Episcopal Church has 112 dioceses (102 domestic + 10 overseas)
Each diocese is entitled to representation in the House of Deputies by not more than four ordained persons, presbyters or deacons, canonically resident in the diocese and not more than four lay persons, confirmed adult communicants of this Church, in good standing in the diocese but not necessarily domiciled in the diocese. The prescribed manner in which deputies shall be chosen is established by each diocese.

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Deputies to the General Convention, together with alternate deputies shall be elected at least twelve (12) months preceding the date that the General Convention for which they are to be seated is scheduled to convene. Such election shall occur at the annual convention, or at a special convention called for that purpose. 

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By concurrent vote of the clerical and lay orders, voting separately, the convention shall elect four (4) clerical deputies and their alternates, and four lay deputies and their alternates, who shall continue in office until their successors are elected. Clerical deputies shall be presbyters or deacons, eligible under the Constitution of The Episcopal Church, to serve as such. Lay deputies shall be confirmed adult communicants of the Church, and registered in a congregation of this diocese.

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Position description: Each deputy plays a critical role in the governance and management of The Episcopal Church including seat, voice, and vote in the House of Deputies. They will take actions on the budget, resolutions, and canons before the General Convention as well as electing leaders to the Executive Council, Church Pension Fund, Disciplinary Board for Bishops, General Theological Seminary, President and Vice President of the House of Deputies, and the Secretary and Treasurer of General Convention.

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Qualities and competencies a nominee should have: They should have a commitment to church governance and polity. Nominees should have a broad, compassionate understanding of the needs of The Episcopal Church, and a strong commitment to the Church’s mission and ministry. The Diocese of California seeks and strives for voices from the many key constituencies in the diocese. It is vital that each nominee have a history of working collaboratively with clergy and lay leaders in creating and developing a legislative agenda reflective of the Diocese of California. The ideal nominee would have experience crafting and shepherding resolution(s) at diocesan convention. 

One of past deputations' strengths has been their ability to function as team to accomplish these many objectives. Two critical areas of need are: 1) continued cultural diversity; and 2) a voice from the diaconal community.

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Other information: Members of the deputation will form teams to share pending legislation and facilitate table discussions in the deaneries (i.e., Anglican Covenant, TREC). Deputies may serve on a legislative committee like Dispatch of Business; Certification of Minutes; Rules of Order; Constitution and Canons; Governance and Structure; World Mission; Social Justice and International Policy; Social Justice and U.S. Policy; Congregational Vitality; Evangelism and Communications; Prayer Book, Liturgy, and Music; Formation and Education for Ministry; Church Pension Fund; Stewardship and Development; Ecumenical and Interreligious Relations; Environmental Stewardship and Care of Creation; Privilege and Courtesy; Program, Budget, and Finance; or a special legislative topic. Members can also serve on interim bodies between conventions.

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Time expectations: In 2023, three to four meetings (usually 2 hours each) and a joint all day meeting of all California deputations. Members are expected to participate actively in meetings and spend the time necessary to read materials distributed in advance of meetings. During the year of GC 2024, four half-day meetings to review materials and prepare for the nine days of legislative hearings and sessions. At convention, the normal day runs about 14 hours and each new member will be assigned a senior deputy as a mentor.

Full travel stipends for deputies and 1st alternates is available, while remaining alternates will receive a partial stipend. General Convention will take place in Louisville, KY. 

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