Diocese
A geographic jurisdiction composed of congregations overseen by a bishop. There are more than 100 dioceses in The Episcopal Church.
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Glossary
An Episcopal Dictionary of the Church
Glossary definitions adapted from An Episcopal Dictionary of the Church, A User Friendly Reference for Episcopalians, edited by Don S. Armentrout and Robert Boak Slocum, provided courtesy of Church Publishing Incorporated, New York, NY.
Disciple
A follower of Jesus Christ.
Dismissal
At the end of a Eucharist when a deacon or presider dismisses the people using one of several forms, such as “Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.” The people respond, “Thanks be to God.”
Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society (DFMS)
The corporate and legal entity of The Episcopal Church, incorporated in 1821 in the state of New York.
Dominic
A 13th-century Spanish priest who founded the Dominican religious order. Feast day: Aug. 8.
Donne, John
A 17th-century English priest and poet, considered one of the greatest preachers of his time. Feast day: March 31.
Doxology
Most often refers to the familiar hymn verse that begins “Praise God from whom all blessings flow.” Can also refer to other verses praising or glorifying God.
DuBose, William Porcher
An Episcopal author, theologian, and slaveholder of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and a founding professor of the University of the South. His feast day on Aug. 18 was revoked in 2024 because of his support for white supremacy and the Ku Klux Klan.
Dunstan
A 10th-century monk, statesman, educator, Benedictine monastic reformer, and archbishop of Canterbury. Feast day: May 19.