Episcopal Courtesies
https://archives.anglican.ca/link/official6975
- Date
- 1997 April 14-18
- Source
- House of Bishops. Minutes
- Type
- Resolution
- Mover
- Bishop Stavert
- Seconder
- Bishop Matthews
- Prologue
- Bishop Mason presented his draft guidelines on episcopal courtesies which the House of Bishops had requested. The draft was discussed and it was agreed that one change should be made to it.
- Under section II, "Short Term or Guest Ministry" point #1. The concern was around the word "been notified" which the majority thought should say "given consent" instead. "Before bishops accept invitations into other dioceses, they should ascertain that the local bishop has already been notified." was changed to "...local bishop has already given consent."
- Text of motion
- That the House of Bishops adopt the amended document. CARRIED
- Notes
- Episcopal Courtesy Guidelines with Respect to the Deployment of Clergy and Lay Professionals
- Preamble
- The following guidelines are intended to clarify the expectations and processes whereby a priest or lay professional transfers from one jurisdiction to another for both long term and short term ministry. The underlying premise is that both sending and receiving bishops should be fully involved in initiating the process and managing it through to completion. They should be fully informed of all decisions, and never taken by surprise or embarrassment.
- It is recognized that clergy and lay professionals are ordained or otherwise affirmed for ministry in the whole church. They should not be made to feel guilty for considering moving to another diocese. No bishop should keep individual clergy on a protected or "untouchable" list permanently. Nevertheless bishops have the responsibility to share with one another whether the welfare of the church really is being promoted by the move of an individual priest at any particular time. The timing should feel reasonably right for all parties.
- The following guidelines are recommended:
- I. Inter-diocesan Transfers
- 1. Any bishop desiring to interview a priest or lay professional, or in responding to an applicant for a position from another diocese, should first consult with the bishop of that diocese.
- 2. In dioceses where it is permitted, parishes should be informed that before they can approach a person in another diocese, consultation must take place with their own bishop who, in turn, would request permission of the bishop of that diocese.
- 3. Clergy who desire to leave their present diocese and who want to make inquiries before submitting their resignation or notice, should first inform their own bishop and then with his/her (written) consent or permission, proceed by approaching bishops of other dioceses, not individual parishes.
- 4. It is increasingly common for dioceses to advertise vacant positions in the Journal, local diocesan papers, or other publications. Such advertisements should always include a clause directing all potential applicants first to obtain the permission and blessing of their present bishop before making application.
- 5. In the transfer to another diocese, matters to be negotiated by both dioceses include...any outstanding debts or other obligations, accrued vacation time, date and method of announcement of the appointment, exchange of letters of transfer and bene decessit.
- II. Short Term or Guest Ministry
- Since bishops bear responsibility for ministry within the diocese, they deserve to be consulted before invitations are issued to others from outside the diocese to minister within the diocese.
- 1. Before bishops accept invitations into other dioceses, they should ascertain that the local bishop has already given consent.
- 2. Before a priest or lay leader is invited into a diocese for parish, diocesan, or other recognized ministry events, the local leaders and organizers must seek and obtain permission from the bishop.
- 3. Bishops with theological colleges, seminaries, or faculties of religious studies within their dioceses, will seek to affirm and respect the principle of academic freedom in these institutions, and encourage a wide spectrum of theological, spiritual, and liturgical inquiry in these institutions. At the same time colleges should seek to develop a trusting relationship with the local diocese and bishop, and seek to avoid unnecessary embarrassment or confrontation.
- Subjects
- Episcopal Courtesy Guidelines
- Anglican Church of Canada - Bishops
- Anglican Church of Canada - Clergy - Appointment, call and election
- Anglican Church of Canada - Clergy - Licensing
- Lay church workers - Anglican Church of Canada