Congregation: an organized body of believers, in a particular locality, in union with the [Diocesan] Convention who worship in accord with the Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church in the United States and [their] Diocese. "Congregation" includes within its meaning, "Mission" and "Parish," unless in the particular context "Mission" or "Parish" is used to denote a particular status.

A Parish exists when the congregation, in addition to fulfilling its ministry and mission to the people of God in its community, is financially self-supporting, including provision for the payment of a reasonable support of its clergy, and also contributes proportionately of its human and financial resources to the ministry and mission of the Diocese and of The Episcopal Church.

A Mission exists when the Diocese or another Parish provides financial assistance to enable the congregation to pursue and implement its ministry and mission.

Each Parish and Mission shall be subject to the Constitution and Canons of their Diocese and of the Episcopal Church.

Vestry: The primary authority of a Parish lies in the vestry as a whole. The Vestry is a body of lay members elected by the congregation as a whole at its anual meeting. The Vestry elects the rector of the church and oversees all secular business of the church. The Rector/Vicar is an ex officio member of the Vestry and usually chairs its meetings, but usually only votes in order to break a tie. The leading lay members of the Vestry are generally the Senior and Junior Wardens. In the absence of a Rector, the Wardens work with the Bishop of the diocese to oversee worship.

Bishop's or Mission Council: The primary authority of a MIssion lies in the Diocesan Bishop. The Mission Council or Vestry of the Mission is responsible for enacting and implementing the polices and programs of the church under the bishop's supervision.

Each Congregation has bylaws: the most fundamental principles and rules regarding the nature and governance of an organization.