Episcopal Press and News
How Many Dioceses Are There, Anyway?
Episcopal News Service. October 29, 1992 [92220N]
ENS has noticed a consistent inconsistency in Episcopal publications regarding the number of dioceses in the Episcopal Church, especially confusing when new bishops are elected and dioceses are asked to consent. An investigation of the "official number" turned out to be more complicated than we expected. The complex answer to the simple question related to "jurisdictions" in the church that look, act and live like dioceses, but are not canonically speaking, dioceses. Conversations with the presiding bishop's office and the secretary of the General Convention proved that the question could be as complicated -- if not as interesting -- as how many diocesan bishops could fit on the head of a pin.
Here from the mouth of the house organ itself, are the facts:
- Dioceses in the United States: 98
- Overseas dioceses, including the Convocation of Churches in Europe: 19
- Total: 117 dioceses
However, when you add the Navajoland Area Mission to the total, it is correct to refer to the "118 dioceses and jurisdictions" of the Episcopal Church.
Please amend your fact sheets for consistency.