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 Extension:(407) 423-3567 ext. 306
- Direct Line:(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.
Articles of Incorporation & Model Bylaws
Model document to be used by unincorporated missions to establish or change bylaws.
Model document to be used by incorporated 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.
Ordained Ministries
To be used by priests and deacons seeking clarity on what qualifies for continuing education.
Policies for Clergy & Congregations
Guidelines concerning the use of alcoholic beverages at church functions or on church property in the Diocese of Central Florida.
The Rev. Canon Dr. E. Daniel Smith
The Rev. 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.” Learn more about the office of canon to the ordinary and the many ways this office serves the bishop, churches, clergy and congregants below.