Office of the Chancellor

The Chancellor provides confidential or public advice on canonical or legal matters to the Bishop, Standing Committee, Diocesan Council, and Diocesan Convention at their request, but not to the Diocese or parishes. With this said, there are parish matters (approval of bylaw amendments) and Diocesan matters (review of resolutions) the Chancellor must review, and on a number of matters, at the request of the Bishop or diocesan staff, the Chancellor will advise the Diocese. 

Canonically, the Chancellor is an ex officio member of the Diocesan Council and has seat, voice and vote (except for a vote by orders) at the Diocesan Convention.

At the Bishop’s request, the Chancellor serves as parliamentarian at the Diocesan Convention; but this is not a canonical role, but one by request.

Also, by appointment by the Bishop and approval of the Convention, the Chancellor currently serves as Chair of the Constitutions & Canons Committee. 

Finally, the Chancellor must certify the Diocese’s election of a Bishop.