When I was first called to All Saints in 2017, our bishop suggested that we consider joining another diocese.  Since I was at that time a priest in the Diocese of CANA West, I proposed to the Vestry that we move the parish there.  However, after a congregational meeting with Bishop Felix Orji, the Vestry concluded that it was not the right move for us to make at that time. However, we were also clear that the possibility of moving into a new diocese might still be a possibility in the future. Recently we have begun exploring the possibility of joining the Anglican Diocese of the South.  But before I say more about that, perhaps some background and history would be helpful.

What is a diocese?

If you are new to Anglicanism, you might be wondering, “What is a diocese?”  The simple definition is that a diocese is a geographical region or district of churches under the pastoral care of a bishop.  So just as a parish is made up of many individuals under the pastoral care of a priest, a diocese is made up of many parishes under the pastoral care of a bishop.  

What are the benefits of a diocese?
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The geographical structure of a diocese helps churches to share resources.  For example, when I was in the diocese of Colorado, there were many parishes that were simply too small to have a significant youth program.  So the diocese would put on these wonderful youth retreats every year where all the teens could come together to have fun and learn about Jesus.  

A diocese also provides opportunities for collegiality amongst clergy.  Especially in smaller parishes, a priest can easily feel isolated, so getting to know other priests in a diocese often feels like a lifeline to the larger church. It also provides a network of pastoral care for clergy with the bishop serving as their primary pastor.  

The diocesan structure gives us a way to experience and learn from the broadness of the Anglican Church. Again, when I was in Colorado we had churches in our diocese that were traditional and others that were more contemporary.  We had some churches that were evangelical and others who were more catholic.  This diversity helped open my eyes to the beauty and adaptability of Anglicanism and helped to strengthen my understanding of my own ministry.  
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Finally, a diocese helps to connect us to the wider communion.  As Anglicans, we are not simply part of an individual parish or a national denomination.  We are members of a worldwide communion of Anglican Christians.  It is through our diocese and through our bishop that we remain connected to these other Anglican around the globe.  When I meet an Anglican from another country, I may not know him or her personally, but we quickly discover that our bishops know each other, and thus an immediate bond of fellowship is created between us.