The nominations process includes submission – by bishops of the diocese, delegates, vestries and others allowed by Canon – of a document with the nominee’s name, parish and city and not more than 100 words of biographical information including service to the church at all levels.

Nominations will be accepted by the Secretary to the Convention, Canon Alice Clayton, in her office at Diocesan House no fewer than 30 days prior to the opening of convention on Feb. 6. During the convention, nominations will be accepted according to the Rules of Order.

The Bishop and Council comprises the bishop plus lay and clerical members who represent each of the three geographical areas of the diocese. “B&C” carries out the work of the diocesan convention between its annual meetings and oversees the program of the diocese. Each term is three years.

Members gather four to six times a year for a daylong meeting at the Diocesan House in Knoxville, and an overnight retreat is conducted annually.

Among its responsibilities, the B&C prepares the diocesan budget to be approved by annual convention and approves grants and loans recommended by the Opportunity Fund Committee. Members also serve on Council committees: Health Insurance, Companion Diocese, Opportunity Fund, Committee on Ministry to People with Disabilities, Department of Mission, Budget and Finance, Hate Crimes Task Force, Communications Committee and the Gift Review Committee.

“B&C” elections for 2004: One clergy member and one lay member from each of the diocese’s three geographical areas, plus 1 lay member to complete an unexpired Upper East term and 1 lay member to complete an unexpired Middle East term.

The Standing Committee serves as a council of advice to the bishop. It has six members, three clergy and three lay. Each term is three years, and members can be re-elected for one successive term. The Standing Committee schedules monthly meetings, but sometimes it conducts its business via e-mail or conference call.

Among its responsibilities, the Standing Committee gives consent for all bishops elected in the Episcopal Church. It recommends individuals for ordination. It gives the bishop advice on the purchase, sale, or encumbrance of any property held by a congregation of the diocese. All complaints involving sexual misconduct by lay employees, volunteers or clergy are referred to the Standing Committee. In the event the diocese is without a bishop, the Standing Committee serves as the ecclesiastical authority.

Standing Committee elections for 2004: One clergy and one lay member.

Two laypeople and one member of the clergy serve on the board of trustees of the University of the South.

The term of office is three years, and trustees can be re-elected for one successive term. They are expected to attend the annual board meeting each May and any special meetings that may occur throughout the year.

Trustees should be personally committed to the basic aims of the University. They are responsible for informing their dioceses about the university and should be willing to contribute to its financial well-being.