Constitution and Canons

The Constitution and Canons is the official set of governing rules for The Episcopal Church. A “General Constitution” was first proposed at the June 1786 Convention. The Constitution of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America was read and signed at the August 1789 Convention. The first canons were ratified at the September 1789 Convention.

In order to amend the Constitution, a resolution must be adopted by both Houses at two consecutive Conventions, with identical language, as a “first” and “second” reading. Canons are revised by a resolution adopted by concurrence of both Houses of the General Convention. Unless otherwise stated, amendments go into effect on the first day of January following the adjournment of the Convention at which the amendment was adopted.

Prior to 1964, the Constitution and Canons were published in a single volume with the Journal of the General Convention. Since that time it has been published, alongside the Rules of Order, as a separate, third volume of a three volume publication that also includes the Reports to the General Convention (or Blue Book Reports) and the Journal of the General Convention.

From 1789 to 1964, the Constitution and Canons were included as a supplement to the Journal proceedings. These early editions can be found here.