Congregations and clergy are members of Dioceses. Dioceses are the primary element of the Episcopal church with the most authority, much like states are to the United States. They are autonomous organizations that answer to the Episcopal Church's General Convention, but set their own policy and procedure where applicable.

The diocese sets policy and protocol for all procedures and reporting for congregations. This includes all parochial reports, calling a new priest, administration, parish financial assessment, or conflict resolution. The Diocese holds the deeds to each church in its jurisdiction.

The Diocesan Bishop is the spiritual authority of the diocese. All clergy take vows to obey their bishop.

Each Diocese has a Constitution & Canons which outline governance and procedure.

There are 100 domestic US dioceses and 8 non-domestic.

The primary authority of a diocese is it's annual convention. The Diocesan Bishop chairs convention. Convention is comprised of delegates, people who are elected at an annual meeting to represent the church. They must vote with their church's well being in mind, representing the congregation from which they are elected. This is a different reality from deputies at General Convention...

Typically there is a body that works with the bishop to enforce the decisions of the annual diocesan convention.