The Conference Committee on the Episcopacy is composed of 15 members – one-fifth appointed by the bishop and the balance nominated by the Conference Committee on Nominations and elected by the Annual Conference. It is recommended that one-third be clergy, one-third laywomen and one-third laymen. (Annual Conference Standing Rule 73)
Per ¶637 of the 2016 Book of Discipline, the Committee on the Episcopacy:
- Supports the bishop in the oversight of the spiritual and temporal affairs of the church and is available to the bishop for counsel.
- Assists in the determination of episcopal needs and makes recommendations to appropriate bodies.
- Keeps the bishop advised concerning conditions as they affect relationships between the bishop and conference agencies.
- Engages in annual consultation and appraisal of the balance of the bishop’s relationship and responsibilities.
- Reports needs for episcopal leadership to the Jurisdictional Committee on the Episcopacy through conference members of that committee.
