Structure
An explanation of the internal structure of the Anglican Church. The leadership takes care of and manages the various Dioceses in other parts of the world, encompassing them into the Anglican family.
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The Anglican Communion
- Diocese of West Malaysia
- Diocese of Kuching
- Diocese of Sabah
The fellowship of all Anglican churches.
The Province
A Province is made up of a number of Dioceses, usually within the same nation or region. The Diocese of Singapore is a part of the Province of South-east Asia which also consists of the following Dioceses:
The Province of South-east Asia is headed by the Archbishop, The Rt Revd Dr John Chew. It is governed by the Provincial Synod which consists of representatives from the various Dioceses within the Province.
The Diocese
It is made up of a number of parishes within a geographical region, and considered the fundamental unit of a local Anglican Church. Most Dioceses are within national boundaries though a few, such as the Diocese of Singapore extend beyond that.
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The Bishop
- Chancellor - The Bishop's legal adviser
- Registrar - A lawyer appointed by the Bishop to prepare licenses and documents for any ecclesiastical purpose
- Other officials - Secretary, Treasurer, etc
The Diocesan Bishop is the head of the Diocese with jurisdicial power. The Bishop of the Diocese of Singapore is The Rt Revd Dr John Chew Hiang Chea.
The Diocesan Synod
It consists of representatives from all the Parishes within the Diocese.
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The Cathedral
- Deanery of Cambodia
- Deanery of Indonesia
- Deanery of Laos
- Deanery of Nepal
- Deanery of Thailand
- Deanery of Vietnam
The Church where the Bishop has his throne in. The Cathedral of the Diocese of Singapore is St Andrew's Cathedral. It is in charge by the Dean and the Chapter which consists of the Archdeacon, Chancellor, and Canons (senior clergy) of the Diocese.
The Archdeaconry
This is headed by the Archdeacon of the Diocese who is responsible for the evangelistic, pastoral, educational works of the Diocese, arrangement for services of parishes under him in the absence of the clergy and other duties designated by the Bishop.
The Deanery
The Diocese of Singapore is sub-divided into a few Deaneries, each headed by an Area Dean. The Deaneries are as follow:
The Deanery Synod reports to the Diocesan Synod.
The Parish
The Parish is defined by a geographical boundary centred around a Parish Church. It is the basic unit for Anglican worship and activities. The Bishop places a Vicar / Rector / Priest-in-charge to run the Parish. The Vicar is assisted by Assistant Priests, if any, the two Church Wardens - Vicar's Warden and People's Warden, and the Parochial Church Council in spiritual and administrative matters. Some well-qualified lay members are licensed as Lay Readers to lead as well as assist in services. There might be other full-time workers serving in the Parish. Do view the list of Parishes in Singapore and other Deaneries.