Will You Join Us?

Applying for Membership in Our Diocese

If you are a new or established congregation – large or small – and are interested in joining our diocese, please follow the process laid out below.

1. Learn – Refer to the diocesan website, where you will find documents, reports and references, which will provide information on why we were formed, what we stand for, and details on our Governance Structure.

2. Discern – Spend time in prayer and discernment – now and throughout the application process.

3. Connect – At least one meeting should take place with your Regional Bishop to discuss your interest in joining our diocese. If after meeting you and the bishop agree about your congregation pursuing membership, you should review the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU - See below) appropriate for your congregation. (Discuss with the bishop which MOU is appropriate.) The MOUs outlines conditions of membership.

4. Apply – If you wish to express formal interest in becoming a member of our diocese, a letter requesting membership should be sent to your Regional Bishop, with a copy to our head office. The letter should include:
   
   a. Information on the congregation seeking membership (history, reasons for wishing to join us, ministries, vision for the future, and size and demographic profile)
   
   b. Confirmation that members of the congregation are in full agreement with our diocesan theological stand. The Regional Bishop will then discuss your application with our House of Bishops. If your application is approved you will receive a conditional acceptance.

5. MOU – Formal acceptance by the diocese will be provided after a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is signed and you have complied with the conditions outlined in that MOU. Contact the diocesan office for the appropriate MOU form. The signed MOU is to be forwarded to the diocesan office administrator.

6. Motion – In the case of an established parish, a motion to join the diocese must be approved by a formal meeting of parish members. A written copy of this motion must be provided to the diocese along with the completed MOU.

7. Welcome – Our bishops will send your congregation a letter to welcome to the diocesan family.

If you need information or assistance at any stage of this process, please contact the diocesan office administrator, at admin@anglicannetwork.ca or call 1-866-351-2642.

Memorandum of Understanding

A memorandum of understanding formalizes the agreement between the diocese and its members. We have identified four types of congregations and local ministries. Each has a different Memorandum of Understanding: • Parish • Church plant • Project • Mission

**Generally speaking **
A Project is a small, forming congregation which may or may not meet regularly on Sundays and likely does not have a full-time clergy person.

A Church plant has become financially viable, meets regularly on Sundays, employs a full or part-time pastor licenced by the diocese, has a governance structure, has obtained appropriate insurance, and has implemented needed financial controls.

A Parish has become incorporated, has received charitable tax status, and has annual general members’ (vestry) meetings.

A Mission is focused on community service ministries, rather than congregational development.

MOUs may be requested from the diocesan office.