Our History
The Progressive Episcopal Conference was created in 2012 to offer support and networking for independent bishops with valid Apostolic Succession. Late in 2012 it became apparent that there were a significant number of priests who needed ecclesiastical support. The Diocese of the South (Progressive Episcopal Church) was created to meet that need. In the beginning the Diocese of the South was basically an expansion of the ministry of Bishop Jack Stafford, who has since retired. But the church continued to grow, and additional dioceses were created, the whole evolving into "The Progressive Episcopal Church." The Diocese of the South has since returned to its independence as a separate incorporated entity under the leadership of Bishop Maryann Gonzalez, though most of its clergy have migrated to the larger TPEC. The Church has evolved beyond its beginnings to embrace a national and global ministry. With a progressive vision that looks forward and outward to fringes of Christian life, while maintaining a solid respect for all forms of Christian tradition, and being grounded in the Anglican tradition, The Progressive Episcopal Church is a unique religious presence in the world.
The Progressive Episcopal Church is a member Province of the Anglican Free Communion, and is also a member of the International Council of Community Churches.
The Progressive Episcopal Church is a member Province of the Anglican Free Communion, and is also a member of the International Council of Community Churches.
Our structure
The Progressive Episcopal Church follows the Anglican model of diocesan structure and clergy titles. Following in the example of the Early Church, our North American dioceses are by affinity, rather than by geography. As the presence of this Church slowly increases outside North America, broad geographic dioceses are likely to be established. At this time, there are four affinity dioceses: West, Delta, Cumberland, and Northeast; the Northeast Diocese is geographic as well as affinity. A fifth geographic diocese is pending in Europe. The Diocese of the South Progressive Episcopal Church out of which we grew retains their independence as an incorporated entity separate from The Progressive Episcopal Church, but is considered a full partner in common ministry & purpose.
The Progressive Episcopal Church is built upon an Anglican congregational structure. Each diocese of the Church is autonomous, but is under the governance of the Council of Bishops and the Presiding Bishop. Each Diocese has its own bishop who must answer to the Presiding Bishop. In a similar fashion all clergy and their ministries function autonomously, yet are under the jurisdiction and governance of their diocesan bishop, and the Constitution and Canons of the church.
The church is governed by the Council of Bishops under the leadership of the Presiding Bishop. The routine daily administrative needs are attended by the Secretary General.
Nearly all of our clergy are "tent-makers." This means nearly all have full-time occupations while also serving as ordained or licensed ministers in their community. Some of our ministries have church buildings to their use, but most are "churches without walls" serving the local community. A church without walls acknowledges that God is not confined to the walls of a church building, but rather is a living presence in the world of which we are all a part.
The Progressive Episcopal Church is built upon an Anglican congregational structure. Each diocese of the Church is autonomous, but is under the governance of the Council of Bishops and the Presiding Bishop. Each Diocese has its own bishop who must answer to the Presiding Bishop. In a similar fashion all clergy and their ministries function autonomously, yet are under the jurisdiction and governance of their diocesan bishop, and the Constitution and Canons of the church.
The church is governed by the Council of Bishops under the leadership of the Presiding Bishop. The routine daily administrative needs are attended by the Secretary General.
Nearly all of our clergy are "tent-makers." This means nearly all have full-time occupations while also serving as ordained or licensed ministers in their community. Some of our ministries have church buildings to their use, but most are "churches without walls" serving the local community. A church without walls acknowledges that God is not confined to the walls of a church building, but rather is a living presence in the world of which we are all a part.