D 

D.D. ~ Common abbreviation of the honorary degree Doctor of Divinity; an honorary degree reserved exclusively for ordained persons, especially bishops. The abbreviation is used after the bishop's full name: The Rt. Rev. Duncan M. Gray, Jr., D.D.

D. Min. ~ Doctor of Ministry; a special graduate program for clergy offered by many seminaries; courses are often scheduled in the summer so that parish clergy may attend.

Daughters of the King ~ "Women of courage who have made a commitment to
serve God our King."

Deacon ~ An order of ministry; an individual who has taken vows of service
to the church.

Dean ~ A priest in charge of a cathedral or deanery.

Deanery ~ A geographic region within a diocese. The Diocese of Western New
York has eight deaneries: Cattaraugus, Central Erie, Chautauqua, Eastern
Erie, Genesee Region, Niagara, Northern Erie and Southern Erie.

Deanery Council ~ A representative body comprised of both clergy and lay persons which conducts the business affairs of a deanery.

Deployment ~ The process by which ordained persons are matched with specific congregations.  The National Church Deployment Office acts as a central clearinghouse for information about position openings.  Locally, a deployment officer works with congregations in need of clergy and acts as a contact for clergy seeking information about positions available in WNY.

Deployment Ministry Consultants ~ Clergy and laity trained to assist congregations during the calling process for new clergy leadership.

Deputy ~ In the Diocese of Western New York, the term used to refer to individuals elected by Diocesan Convention to represent our diocese at General Convention.

Designated Funds ~ Funds which account for monies restricted in scope of use by either the donor (temporarily or permanently restricted) or the vestry (designated).  (e.g. Music or Memorial Funds)

DeVeaux Scholarships ~ Scholarships provided to Episcopal students attending Niagara University. Fund was established when the diocese sold the DeVeaux School property to NU in the 1970s.

DFMS ~ See Domestic and Foreign Mission Society.

Diaconate ~ The office of deacon; an order of ministry.

Diocese ~ In the Episcopal church, the primary unit of church organization. Each diocese is led by a bishop and generally consists of many parishes and churches. The Diocese of Western New York consists of 63 churches located throughout the seven western most counties of New York State.

Diocesan Altar Guild ~ The association of persons engaged in parochial altar ministries.  The group meets twice yearly.

Diocesan Convention ~ Diocesan Convention meets annually to transact the business of the diocese.  Made up of elected delegates from every parish in good standing with the Diocese of Western New York, as well as canonically resident clergy.

Diocesan Council ~ A canonical body consisting of the bishop, one lay representative and one clergy representative elected by each deanery, and one youth representative appointed by the bishop. Diocesan Council oversees the program of the diocese between Diocesan Conventions.

Diocesan Seal ~ The heraldic insignia or logo of a diocese.

D House ~ See Diocesan Office

Diocesan Office ~ The building located at 1114 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, that houses the Bishop's Office and the diocesan staff. The office of Episcopal Community Services is also located at this site.

Diocesan Support Group ~ A segment of the diocesan structure that oversees diocesan affairs relating to buildings and grounds, clergy development, clergy wellness, deployment, diocesan convention, finances, leadership development and personnel. Comprised of the archdeacon, deployment officer, diocesan comptroller, accounting assistant and the administrative secretary.

Diocese ~ The basic unit of the Episcopal Church. Each diocese is led by a bishop.

Disciples of Christ in Community (DOCC) ~ A yearlong course designed to help adult Christians gain a better understanding of their faith.  Operates on the premise that Jesus intended life to be lived in community and that we need to be in community in order to achieve successful, happy lives.

DOCC ~ See Disciples of Christ in Community

Domestic & Foreign Mission Society ~ The corporate name of The Episcopal Church.