About the Constitution & Canons
The Constitution and Canons is the official set of governing rules for The Episcopal Church’s bodies. Since 1964, the Constitution and Canons have been published as a separate volume following each Convention.
The Canons are typically revised in part by amendments adopted by the concurrence of both Houses of the General Convention. 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 a second Convention held in September of 1789.
The Constitution and Canons of The Episcopal Church is published together with the Rules of Order for both Houses of the General Convention. It serves as the third volume of a three volume publication that also includes the Reports to the General Convention and the Journal of the General Convention.