Governance and Administration

Abstract

This chapter takes the perspective of the diocese as an organization and the bishop as the leader and administrator of that organization. In business terms the bishop would be the chief executive officer. A diocese is perhaps more comparable to a nonprofit organization, where the CEO is the administrator and the board of directors are responsible for governance and mission. However, in the case of the diocese, the bishop is responsible for both the administration and governance. The chapter uses data from the survey and interviews, as well as reviews of diocesan websites to examine different aspects of the bishop’s role as an administrator of the diocese. First, it explores a key decision-making area by reviewing different strategies bishops use to staff parishes when there are not enough priests. Second is a review of diocesan strategic and pastoral planning processes. The final section discusses diocesan level policies, including safe environment and protection of children.