The Senior House

The House of Deputies is an assembly with a rich and diverse history. Known as the “Senior House” because first met together in the fledgling America when the Episcopal Church had no bishops. It is our responsibility to be the guardians of the vision that our early church founders held of a church that is enriched by the  voices of all the members, laity, clergy and bishops. We work together to respond to God’s call for a world reconciled. It is through the voices and ministries of all the baptized that we are able to compliment all the gifts we have so generously been given.

No one doubts that democracy is the best form of government for our country. We’ve gone to war to protect our democracy. But not everyone understands that democracy is the best form of government for a Church. Episcopalians are proud of their democracy. We believe that God offers his guidance to all of us, whether we are bishops, priests or laity, and that every order of ministry deserves a voice in the governance of our Church.

There are always deputies as leaders of our church. The deputies are the elected lay and clergy leaders from each of our dioceses. They are the elected leaders who, with the House of Bishops, set the policy, canons, constitution, liturgical resources and documents and other important statements on behalf of The Episcopal Church.

With each other in Anaheim, we shared a part of our lives together. We worshipped and ate the bread of life, risen to sing and lowered our heads to pray. We have breathed the air that has been in our neighbors lungs. In Jesus we are one of another. Made in the image of God, we are a Christian Community. Let us give great thanks for all that we have been given.