ARTICLE IV
The Bishop
Sec. 1. The Bishop. The Bishop is the Ecclesiastical Authority of this Diocese and is its Chief Pastor. If there be no Bishop canonically authorized to act, then the Bishop Coadjutor, if there be one canonically authorized to act, shall be the Ecclesiastical Authority and shall exercise the functions of Bishop as specified in the General Constitution and General Canons of the Church and in this Constitution and the Canons of this Diocese. If there be neither Bishop nor Bishop Coadjutor canonically authorized to act, then the senior Suffragan Bishop, if there be one canonically authorized to act, shall be the Ecclesiastical Authority. If there is no Bishop, Coadjutor, or Suffragan Bishop canonically authorized to act, then the Standing Committee shall be the Ecclesiastical Authority.
Sec. 2. Bishop Coadjutor. There may be a Bishop Coadjutor as provided in the General Canons of the Church. The Bishop Coadjutor, if there be one, shall have the right of succession, together with such duties as shall be by the Bishop assigned to him or her, as specified in such Canons.
Sec. 3. Suffragan Bishops. There may be Suffragan Bishops as provided in the General Canons of the Church. Suffragan Bishops shall act, in all respects, as assistants to the Bishop, and under his or her direction.
Sec. 4. Temporary Ecclesiastical Authority. In the event of the death or resignation of the Bishop, if there be no Bishop Coadjutor, the senior Suffragan Bishop or, in the absence of a Suffragan Bishop, the Standing Committee shall become the temporary Ecclesiastical Authority of the Diocese until such time as a new Bishop shall have been elected and consecrated or otherwise duly authorized to fill such office. It shall be the duty of such temporary Ecclesiastical Authority to call a special Convention, to be held within six months after the death or resignation of the Bishop, for the purpose of electing a Bishop.
Sec. 5. Bishop May Fill Vacancies. The Bishop shall be empowered to fill any vacancies in Diocesan offices and committees, except as otherwise specifically provided by the Constitution or Canons.
Sec. 6. Bishop is the Ordinary. The Bishop is the Ordinary of all non-parochial organizations and institutions of the Diocese, and as such may attend and preside at any of their meetings, and shall be the ultimate arbiter and judge of their proceedings, except in those cases where authority is vested in the Bishop Coadjutor or the matter is controlled by the Constitution or Canons.
Sec. 7. Bishop's Power in Absence of Canon. In all matters affecting the Diocese or any Congregation, where no procedure is specifically provided by the General Constitution or General Canons or the Constitution or Canons of the Diocese, the Bishop shall have the power to act for and on behalf of the Diocese or such Congregation.
Amended as of 11/85
