Fast facts

The basic unit of the Episcopal Church is the diocese, a geographic area. It is headed by a bishop. (The word "Episcopal" comes from the Greek "episcopos" meaning overseer).

The Diocese of Connecticut includes the entire state. There are currently 172 parishes in the diocese, plus several worshipping congregations. In October 2009 the Diocese elected the Rev. Dr. Ian T. Douglas to serve as its 15th bishop. The 14th bishop, the Rt. Rev. Andrew D. Smith, retired Jan. 31, 2010. The bishop-elect will be ordained and consecrated April 17, 2010. The diocesan bishop is assisted by, and works closely with, with two bishops suffragan, the Rt. Rev. James E. Curry and the Rt. Rev. Laura J. Ahrens. Based on 2006 data, there are about 64,386 baptized members in the Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut and average Sunday attendance is 20,118. The annual business meeting of the diocese is called the Annual Convention, and takes place in late October. The Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut is one of 112 domestic and overseas dioceses in The Episcopal Church.

The Episcopal Church is one of 38 Episcopal or Anglican churches around the world that comprise the worldwide Anglican Communion.