Canon to the Ordinary
The Canon to the Ordinary serves as the bishop’s chief operating officer, helping ensure that the work of the diocese aligns with the bishop’s vision while supporting clergy, congregations and ministries across the Diocese of Central Florida.
Key areas of support include transition ministry, clergy and congregational support, event planning, church vitality and pastoral oversight. Whether you are a clergy person, lay leader, or parish administrator, this office offers a range of resources to support every stage of ministry. Explore the tools below to find the guidance you need, when you need it.
Contact Adria Northern Executive Assistant to the Canon to the Ordinary
- Office:(407) 423-3567 ext. 306
- Direct:(407) 206-4426
- Email:anorthern@cfdiocese.org
Diocese of Central Florida
1017 E. Robinson St.
Orlando, FL 32801
1017 E. Robinson St.
Orlando, FL 32801
Office Resources
Abuse Prevention
This resource helps leadership and congregations ensure a safe environment for their members.
This resource helps leadership and congregations ensure a safe environment for their members.
This resource helps leadership and congregations ensure a safe environment for their members.
The Diocese of Central Florida is now using Praesidium Academy’s “Safe Church, Safe Communities” abuse prevention training curriculum. Each church or school in the diocese must appoint one administrator. This resource is for new and current administrators.
Articles of Incorporation & Model Bylaws
Model document to be used by incorporated missions to establish or change bylaws.
Model document to be used by unincorporated missions to establish or change bylaws.
Background Checks
To be used by clergy for licensure as well as for new clergy and lay leaders in new positions.
Commonly Requested Forms
A required spreadsheet for churches to use when applying for diocesan loans.
To be used by senior wardens and vestries in their final negotiation with a new priest coming on board.
To be used by senior wardens and vestries in their final negotiation with a new priest coming on board.
Constitution & Canons
These foundational documents govern our life as a diocese and as individual congregations within the diocese.
These foundational documents govern our life as a diocese and as individual congregations within the diocese.
These foundational documents govern our life as a diocese and as individual congregations within the diocese.
Disaster Plan for Congregations
This plan is to serve as a broad guide for preparations for and responses to disasters.
Licensure
Annual report to be submitted for license renewal to function as a deacon in the Diocese of Central Florida and/or to remain in present tenure.
Annual report to be submitted to request license renewal to function as a deacon in the Diocese of Central Florida and/or to remain in present tenure.
Annual report to be submitted for license renewal to function as a non-parochial priest in the Diocese of Central Florida and/or to remain in present tenure.
Annual report to be submitted by retired deacons within the Diocese of Central Florida.
Ordained Ministries
To be used by priests and deacons seeking clarity on what qualifies for continuing education.
This document outlines the purpose and process of the Mutual Ministry Review (MMR), an annual practice in the Diocese of Central Florida that promotes open dialogue, shared reflection and collaborative goal-setting among the Rector, Wardens, and Vestry.
This form is to be used by vestries when conducting a Mutual Ministry Review with their clergy of 2+ years.
This form is to be used by vestries when conducting a Mutual Ministry Review with their new rector (1st yr).
Policies for Clergy & Congregations
Guidelines concerning the use of alcoholic beverages at church functions or on church property in the Diocese of Central Florida.
Transition Ministry Resources
This fillable form is designed to collect essential information about a parish seeking new clergy leadership. It supports the clergy search and discernment process by gathering details in several key areas, ensuring consistency and completeness in presenting parish information to potential candidates and diocesan leadership.
This fillable form is designed to help congregations reflect on their identity, ministries and future vision during a clergy transition. It includes twelve narrative questions that invite thoughtful responses, encouraging concise and meaningful reflection. Responses are limited to 1,200 characters each.
This fillable form is designed for priests discerning a new call. It invites them to reflect on their personal ministry experiences, leadership style and vision for the future through eleven narrative questions. The completed form helps diocesan leaders and search committees understand a priest’s gifts, approach and suitability for potential calls. Responses are limited to 1,200 characters each.
This document outlines the process and principles guiding clergy leadership transitions within the Diocese of Central Florida. It provides a structured overview of the clergy search process, described in a three-phase approach, emphasizing that each congregation’s journey is unique.
This document serves as a practical guide for parish leadership during a clergy transition in the Diocese of Central Florida. It outlines key responsibilities and actions for Senior Wardens and Vestries to ensure continuity and stability in worship, pastoral care, administration and communication.
This document outlines the responsibilities of the Senior Warden and Vestry during a clergy vacancy in a parish, based on the Constitution & Canons of The Episcopal Church (Title III, Canon 9, Section 3). It provides practical guidance for maintaining worship, managing parish operations and initiating the search for a new rector.
Visit our Transition Ministry page to view Diocese of Central Florida churches currently seeking clergy.
The Rev. Canon Dr. E. Daniel Smith
The Rev. Canon Dr. E. Daniel Smith has served as canon to the ordinary for the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida since July 1, 2023. Born in Florida, he grew up at Christ the King, Orlando, in the Azalea Park area of the city, and met his wife, Evelyn, while both were working at Disney World. A graduate of the University of Central Florida and Nashotah House, he went on to minister at various churches in the diocese, including St. Sebastian’s-by-the-Sea, Melbourne Beach; Emmanuel, Orlando; and St. Matthew’s, Orlando, where he was founding vicar. He later served churches in Hawaii and Iowa before becoming canon to the ordinary for the Diocese of Missouri in 2003. After taking early retirement in 2015, he and Evelyn moved to Florida, where he gradually moved back into ministry roles before his appointment as canon to the ordinary. The Smiths have two adult children and five grandchildren.
“He is boots on the ground,” Bishop Justin Holcomb said at the 2025 Diocesan Convention when describing Smith’s service. “He is at a different church almost every single Sunday.” Smith also attends at least three vestry meetings a month and, in his role as diocesan transition officer, often attends search committee meetings as well.
“Bishop Holcomb is captain of the ship; I’m the chief executive officer,” Smith said. “I view my role and my office as being in direct support of the vision of the bishop of the diocese.”