At its founding, The Episcopal Church ratified a constitution that included certain provisions that would shape its governance: A conviction that elections to choose its leaders should be required at all levels of the church's life, and that, as in the first centuries of the church, Bishops would be elected.

The nascent Episcopal Church sought to uphold the tradition of local autonomy that had developed in the earliest expression of the American church. Specifically, the classic church hierarchy of deacon - priest - diocesan - archbishop ends at the diocesan level. Instead, the authority that is traditionally vested in an archbishop is instead vested in an elected body, The General Convention of the Episcopal Church. 

The General Convention is the highest governing body of The Episcopal Church. This bicameral legislature includes the House of Bishops and the House of Deputies. The Presiding Bishop, The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry is the chair of the House of Bishops. The current President of the House of Deputies, The Rev. Gay Clark Jennings, was elected in 2012. The two bodies meet and act separately, to set the Episcopal Church's mission priorities, budget and policies. Both Houses must concur to adopt legislation. 

The Convention has the authority to amend the Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church; adopt the budget for the church for the next three years; authorize liturgical texts and amend the Book of Common Prayer; adopt communions and covenants with other churches; set qualifications for orders of ministry and office-holders; elect officers of the General Convention, the Executive Council, and members of boards; and delegate responsibilities to the committees, commissions, agencies, and boards of the Episcopal Church.

The General Convention meets every three years. In between conventions, an elected body, the Executive Council, meets to address concerns and carry forward the policies and programs adopted by The General Convention. The next General Convention convenes in 2018 in Austin, Texas.

Source: Includes excerpts from a previously published article by The Rt Rev Pierre Whalon, D.D. Anglicans Online © Publisher