A congregation typically elects lay delegates and alternate delegates during its annual meeting (although in some places, the delegates are selected by the vestry or mission council). The term of office is generally one to two years. Both of these factors are determined by the parish bylaws.
All congregations have at least two lay delegates: mission congregations (that is, those that receive financial support from the diocese for operating costs) have two lay delegates; parishes (those that are financially self-sufficient) have four delegates.
After the election of delegates, the congregation’s administrator or clergy must file a certification of the election of their Lay Delegates with the diocesan office.This is done on the Annual Reporting Form.
All congregational clergy also serve as delegates and should be considered as part of the congregation’s delegation.
If reported delegates change prior to convention a Change of Delegate form must be filled out and returned.