What do TEC bishops do?

[rhartsc]

May seem like a silly question but I really don't know what they do. In my previous Church Affiliations the Bishop was responsible for everything including maintaining order. The priests were seens as his assistants and there was little to no variation in practice or belief tolerated. Obviously the TEC is not that kind of Church. So what does a tec bishop do?

 

[Sean611]

May seem like a silly question but I really don't know what they do. In my previous Church Affiliations the Bishop was responsible for everything including maintaining order. The priests were seens as his assistants and there was little to no variation in practice or belief tolerated. Obviously the TEC is not that kind of Church. So what does a tec bishop do?

These days, I think their main job is making sure that no moderate/conservative Anglicans get to go to seminary.

In seriousness, I think that the bishop spends a lot of time traveling to the parishes in his diocese. Most bishops visit all the parishes in the diocese within 1.5 years. It is at this time that confirmations are held. Also, the bishop ordains deacons and priests. They also approves lay ministries (Eucharistic Minister, Preacher, etc.). Outside of that, ensuring smooth sailing in the diocese and mediate disagreements. I'm sure there is more to it, but that is all I can think of off the top of my head.

 

[Albion]

Sean's point about the bishop visiting his parishes (and administering confirmations) is good; that's a major part of his oversight. Otherwise, your description of what you thought a bishop does seems about right. Except that it's not usually the case that he enjoys a lot of religious diversity. The national church may be a quilt of many colors, but each bishop generally wants his own religious POV carried out by the priests in his diocese and is not cheery towards the ones who want to get out of step.

 

[ebia]

The national church may be a quilt of many colors, but each bishop generally wants his own religious POV carried out by the priests in his diocese and is not cheery towards the ones who want to get out of step.

Just to note that that's not the case everywhere in the world. While, for example, many Australian dioceses have a single slant, most CofE ones will be more colourful. Even ones like Exeter that have a particular main flavour will include the range.

 

[Cjwinnit]

These days, I think their main job is making sure that no moderate/conservative Anglicans get to go to seminary.

Yep. Hopefully that's one thing that C of E bishops won't start doing...