Governance
Chancellor
In the Episcopal Church, a chancellor is a legal adviser appointed by a diocesan bishop. A chancellor advises the bishop and diocese on matters of secular and ecclesiastical law.
The Hon. Andy Cobb
Standing Committee
Term expiring upon adjournment of Convention 2024:
The Reverend Christian Senyoni (St. Andrews, Collierville)
Mr. Swazoo Claybon (St. Paul’s, Mason)
Term expiring upon adjournment of Convention 2025:
The Reverend Hester Mathes (Holy Trinity, Memphis)
Ms. Patti Gildea (St. Andrews, Collierville)
Term expiring upon adjournment of Convention 2026:
The Reverend Sarah Cowan (Holy Communion, Memphis)
Ms. Jeane Chapman (Holy Trinity, Memphis)
Bishop & Council
The Convention of the Diocese has an annual meeting each year in November to elect officers and committees of the Diocese, approve the budget of Diocese, and make other important decisions for the Diocese. The Bishop and Council (the Council) serves as the Board of Directors of the Diocese and is authorized to exercise all the powers, with a few exceptions, of the Convention between meetings of the Convention. The Council implements the decisions of the Convention and oversees the executive and administrative functions of the Diocese, including approving policies and programs of the Diocese. It also oversees the disbursement of Diocesan funds in a manner that is consistent with the Diocesan budget.
The Bishop serves as the President of the Diocese and as the Chair of the Council, presiding at its meetings. The Council typically meets six times per year.
Term expiring upon adjournment of Convention 2024:
Mr. Steve Smith (Immanuel Episcopal Church, LaGrange)
Term expiring upon adjournment of Convention 2025:
The Rev. Dr. Jesse Abell (Grace-St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Memphis)
Ms. Susan Kenny (Holy Apostles Episcopal Church, Collierville)
Term expiring upon adjournment of Convention 2026:
Ms. Patricia Easley (Grace Episcopal Church, Paris)
The Rev. Sandy Webb (Church of the Holy Communion, Memphis)
Term expiring upon adjournment of Convention 2027:
The Rev. Paul McLain (Calvary Episcopal Church, Memphis)
Ms. Ebet Peeples (Calvary Episcopal Church, Memphis)