Governing Bodies
About our governance
The Episcopal Church formed out of the colonial congregations separated from the Church of England after the American Revolution, and its constitution, adopted in 1789, was, like the U.S. Constitution, written by people who sought to replace hierarchical rule with democratic government.
As a result all our members – both lay people and clergy – play a role in our governance, from decisions in congregational life, to the diocesan level, and up to The Episcopal Church’s highest policy-making body, the General Convention.
The Diocesan Headquarters and Bishop’s Staff
The administrative headquarters of the Diocese of Newark, known as Episcopal House, is the location of the diocesan offices and archives. The Bishop’s Staff works in conjunction with the Bishop, the Standing Committee, the Trustees, and Diocesan Council to manage the affairs of the diocese, and also facilitates and supports the work of the congregations, diocesan committees and commissions.
Episcopal House has been located at 31 Mulberry Street in Newark since 1997. In early 2025 it is relocating to 94 E. Mt. Pleasant Avenue in Livingston, to take residence in the former St. Peter’s Church in Livingston, which closed in 2022.