The text below is from the Diocesan Handbook 2003 and is likely to be out-ofdate. Please check any content with the Diocese before relying upon it.

Transcription

1 4 MINISTRY 4.1 MUTUAL RESPONSIBILITY It is good practice for all ministers and members to manage their time with due attention to personal spirituality, health and recreation have a clearly defined role, but with some room for initiative pray for one another treat one another with loyalty, good humour, trust, honesty, courtesy and sensitivity collaborate fully with all colleagues and delegate whenever appropriate All beneficed and licensed clergy are expected to assent to the historic formularies of the Church of England give due allegiance to the Sovereign and canonical obedience to the Bishop reside in the benefice house unless the Bishop permits otherwise comply with child protection policies declare or assign to the DBF any fees received take 1 day off each week, and 6 weeks holiday, 4 days retreat, & 5 days CME a year take 8 weeks maternity or 5 days paternity leave, if desired undertake a biennial ministry review with the bishop or archdeacon notify Diocesan House if ill for more than 4 days inform the rural dean of times away give three month s notice of cession or resignation vacate their office by their seventieth birthday, except with the bishop s consent 4.2 READERS were at one time called lay readers are lay men and women who have heard God s call to ministry, but not ordination form a bridge between the congregation and the clergy are licensed to a parish or benefice by the bishop and exercise their ministry on the parish priest s invitation, or elsewhere in the diocese when invited. Nomination Potential readers are nominated by their parish priest who has indicated willingness to assist with their training. The PCC are required to indicate their support by means of a secret ballot. Selection is by a panel of readers and clergy after interviews with a sub-warden and director of training, both of whom contribute directly to the interview process. Training is done through the Board of Ministry under the direction of the Director of Training. Placements Students do a placement in another parish in the third term of their second year of training. Licences are for a 5-year period and may be renewed. Notice of the need to renew licences is included in the usual winter mailing to all readers from the secretary of the Readers Committee. The renewal takes place simultaneously for the whole body of

2 readers. Those newly licensed in intervening years will also be subject to review at these times, even if their licence has only been in force for one or two years. Applications to the bishop for the renewal of a licence is an important opportunity for the reader and parish priest together to review the reader s ministry and the letter of commendation should reflect this review. The appropriate area bishop will review all applications. If a licence is renewed, the name of the reader is entered in the register of readers for the ensuing 5-year period and the licence returned. Working agreements Parish priests and readers are encouraged to have a working agreement. CME is organised by the three sub-wardens in their own areas. This comprises three days, one of which is sometimes a retreat. Additional opportunities are provided by the Director of CME. All readers are expected to attend CME in their first 3 years. Funerals Readers may be licensed by the bishop to take funerals, but only after two years in ministry and completion of the special training course for readers taking funerals. Fees Readers offer to serve in a voluntary capacity and therefore are not entitled to receive fees, but are entitled to claim expenses for travelling and any loss of earnings. Ministry Review Readers submit an annual report to the secretary. Incumbents submit a report on the occasion of the triennial renewal of licences. Deployment There is no diocesan policy in respect of deployment, although some readers are re-deployed where there is a breakdown in relationships, or through changes in circumstance. Responsibility for readers rests with the warden. Difficulties that arise are often as a result of local problems and the warden expects to work closely with the area staff. Vacancies Where a benefice in vacancy has a reader or reader-in-training any prospective candidate should meet the reader/trainee. Any licensed reader should have access to the area bishop/archdeacon to share their impressions of candidates, but they should not be seen as part of the interviewing process. Retirement All readers retire officially at 70 and thereafter may be given permission to officiate. PTO does not preclude a reader from being co-opted or elected to the PCC. 4.3 STIPENDIARY MINISTERS lead the ministry team within a benefice or chaplaincy offer to the Church a willingness to be deployed according to need may be parochial or sector ministers, i.e. serve as chaplains to various communities Candidates for stipendiary ministry have to be sponsored by their local bishop are not normally older than 45 at the start of training attend a national selection conference

3 if recommended, train either in a residential college or through the EAMTC for 2 or 3 years depending on age and qualifications after ordination, serve a three year curacy in this or another diocese can in due course expect to be in charge of a benefice are encouraged to have a tutor and support group undertake a placement during their post-ordination training. 4.4 NON-STIPENDIARY MINISTERS have the same role and function as stipendiary priests are less mobile, especially if they earn their living in the world, but are expected to be deployable within reason, although not normally to move house are able to take on short-term appointments within the locality and so offer a flexibility in diocesan deployment strategy are ordained either for parochial ministry, or for ministry in secular employment, or a mixture of these may bring to the ordained ministry the particular skills of a business or professional life. Candidates should normally be under the age of 54 Training is done through the East Anglian Ministerial Training Scheme. Candidates in training do two placements. All NSMs receive a first-appointments grant to help with books, robes, and the setting up of their office. Deployment To assist in this, the diocese is willing to make one-off grants to help with such things as travel and re-settlement. An NSM ordinand is normally expected to serve their title in a parish other than their parish of origin. NSMs may be asked to take on a number of possible appointments where the diocese needs to keep the situation open and flexible for the time being. They may be asked to be priests-in-charge, although not incumbents, and may be offered a house-for-duty or a part-time stipend to facilitate their taking up a post. In such circumstances they remain NSM, unless there has been an agreed transfer. Title All candidates serve a title for 3 years. If, after 3 years, they are still in the same parish, then they should be known as Senior Assistant Priest. Ministry in secular employment Where a NSM is primarily exercising a ministry in secular employment, if the workplace is in a diocese other than were the minister lives, permission to officiate must be sought from the bishop of that diocese. Working agreements All NSMs are expected to have a job description or a working agreement. The NSM officer, the incumbent, and the ordinand draw this up prior to ordination. Where the ministry is primarily focused on the parish, a lay person from the parish may be involved. Where the ministry is to be focused on their work, then this should be a person of responsibility from with the sphere of work. It is often helpful to include the ordinand s spouse. The agreement is kept under review with the CME officer. Where the ordinand remains in the same parish after serving their title, a new agreement will be needed and the NSM officer should be involved.

4 CME All NSM clergy are required to engage in CME for their first 3 years, unless exempted by a bishop. NSMs are expected to attend the NSM weekend as part of their post-ordination training. After 3 years all clergy are expected to make use of the opportunities of the CME programme. Financial provision for this is the same as for stipendiary clergy. The NSM Officer shares oversight with the designated member of the bishop s staff assists the diocese and parishes with the drawing up of the working agreement. is available to NSMs for support and advice arranges the annual NSM week-end. Fees NSMs are unpaid and therefore are not entitled to receive fees. Ministry review Candidates for the diaconate and for the priesthood will be interviewed by a bishop prior ordinations in the normal way. Thereafter, all NSMs should meet with the bishop or archdeacon in the course of their regular pastoral visits. Vacancies When a vacancy is being filled, NSMs should meet the candidate(s). This is for the benefit of the candidate(s) as much as to assist the selection process. NSMs feed their impressions through to the member of bishop s staff handling the appointment. Transferring to non-stipendiary ministry requires the advice of the Candidates Panel. A job description should be drawn up as set out above. The licence should be for a set term of years. Until the job description has been negotiated the minister shall only be granted permission to officiate. Retirement An NSM with a licence and agreed job description shall be subject to equivalent regulations concerning retirement as those in stipendiary ministry. 4.5 ORDAINED LOCAL MINISTRY is a vital development of which the diocese of Norwich was a pioneer in an age of mobility offers a stable and rooted ministry often proves an encouragement to laity in their ministry helps build bridges with the local community is under the guidance and authority of the parish priest Candidates should normally be under the age of 62 have been resident in the benefice for three years be able to demonstrate that they are involved in the local community be unlikely to move on in the future. A candidate living outside the benefice must in addition have been a regular worshipper in the benefice for three years be able to demonstrate a local involvement with the community have the agreement of the parish priest of the parish in which they reside.

5 Ministry Teams Before a candidate can be sponsored by a bishop, the benefice needs to have developed, or be developing, a team which meets these 12 criteria: The team has been chosen by the appropriate governing body (PCC, team or group council) in conjunction with the incumbent, and not by the candidate The team has a purpose and can define it The majority of the team are local and can claim some degree of stability Each member of the team has been appointed because they have either a clear ministerial gift or a particular responsibility within the church Each member of the team is willing to train, both individually and corporately The team includes not only the clergy and readers, but also other lay members The team meets regularly The team prays together regularly The parish priest is a member of the team The parish priest can show evidence of being collaborative in style and approach The team reflects a general benefice/parish context of sharing There is a commitment to the team continuing after the ordination of the candidate. Sponsorship Before a candidate can be sponsored by a bishop, the PCC or team or group council will have been asked to pass a formal resolution committing itself to the local ministry team and making formal nomination of the candidate. Before seeing a candidate for potential sponsorship, the bishop should have received: A report on the parish and the ministry team The report of the DDO The report of the examining chaplains The references Where candidates need a faculty, the procedure is the same, except the parish report may be less complete at this stage. However, no candidate will be put forward for sponsorship unless there is clear evidence that the parish will be able to deliver its responsibilities. Training is done through the diocesan OLM course for three years. A shorter period requires the Candidates Panel s advice, unless specified in the validation document. Placements Despite the local nature of their calling, candidates in training will be expected to do a study placement in another benefice. Likewise it may be appropriate for OLMs to do a placement outside of their benefice in the normal course of their ministry. The placement needs to strengthen their ministry locally, or further their own personal growth and development as a priest. Pre-ordination grants All OLMs receive a first appointments grant to help with books, robes and the setting up their office. The licence OLMs are licensed to serve only in their own benefice. This may be extended to include a wider area if, for example, the benefice is part of a group or team ministry. They may not exercise a ministry beyond their local area, except for one-off special requests such as the marriage of a relative, or preaching for a special occasion with the permission of the bishop.

6 Title All candidates serve a title for three years. After three years they should be designated as Senior Assistant Priest. Working arrangements Prior to ordination a working agreement is drawn up by the parish priest and ordinand. This is then discussed with the CME officer and kept under review from time to time. There is a document setting out the guidelines. CME All OLMs are required to engage in CME for their first 3 years, unless exempted by a bishop. After 3 years, all OLMs are expected to make use of the opportunities of the CME programme. Financial provision for this is the same as for stipendiary and NSMs. Fees OLMs are unpaid and therefore are not entitled to receive fees. Ministry reviews Candidates for the diaconate and priesthood will be interviewed by a bishop prior to ordination. Thereafter, all OLMs should meet with the bishop or archdeacon in the course of the regular pastoral visits. In an OLM parish, pastoral visits will need to include a review of the ministry team. The Diocesan Course Management Committee is available for help and advice. Appointment of new incumbents When a vacancy occurs the parish profile should include the words: This benefice has an ordained local minister and a local ministry team, and the following regulations apply: 1) The bishop will want to be reasonably assured of a prospective incumbent s genuine commitment to shared ministry. 2) Prospective incumbents will be required to meet all the staff of the benefice, including stipendiary curates, non-stipendiary ministers, ordained local ministers and readers. Candidates should know that these people will be given the opportunity to make their views known to the bishop before any offer is made. 3) The person who is appointed will be expected to undergo an induction course on OLM within 6 months of taking up the post. Any offer is made on this understanding. Interregnums in the local area Where an interregnum occurs in the locality, the OLM should not be used to provide cover. The OLM is able to look after the local parish and so free their incumbent to assist in the parish in vacancy. Incumbent training All new incumbents of parishes with OLM ordinands or priests in post receive an induction course on appointment. Transfer from OLM to NSM or SM can only be made after 3 years of ordained ministry and on the advice of the Ministry Division Candidates Panel via the DDO. Retirement All OLMs retire officially at 70 and thereafter they should be given permission to officiate, but only in their own benefice. PTO does not preclude a PCC coopting the OLM. Where the priest continues in full active ministry, they should also continue to be part of the local ministry team.

7 4.6 ORDAINED COUPLES may be able to exercise a shared ministry may minister with one being the curate (usually non-stipendiary) of the other, or with one exercising a parochial or sector ministry nearby should be aware that appropriate joint or nearby posts may be difficult to find. 4.7 CANDIDATES FOR HOLY ORDERS All Christians are called by virtue of their baptism to share in the ministry of Christ s body. Some are called to particular ministries, and among them some to the distinctively representative ministry of holy orders as deacons, priests, or bishops to pray that God will equip the Church with the ministry it needs for its mission, and to expect that God will call out persons for this ministry to pray especially during ember seasons for vocations and for those in training. Selection procedure The incumbent of a parish where a potential candidate worships should put him or her in touch with a vocation advisor, who works with the person to explore the direction in which God is calling him or her. If this and other references, and a personal interview, indicate the candidacy should proceed, the DDO sends the candidate to be interviewed by two of the Bishop s examining chaplains. They assess whether the candidate should be interviewed by one of the bishops with a view to sponsorship, and advise on the candidate s areas of strength and weakness according to the criteria used by selectors. If the sponsoring bishop so decides, the DDO arranges for the candidate to attend a bishops selection conference, at which the selectors are drawn from a national panel nominated by the bishops. Candidates are sponsored for stipendiary and nonstipendiary ministry, or permanent non-stipendiary ministry, or ordained local ministry. OLM candidates normally attend a national conference in May or June, at which the selectors are briefed about OLM and the diocesan training scheme Further references and other papers are required at this stage, and there is usually a period of at least 6 weeks (often 3 or 4 months) between the application and the conference date. Those who assess candidates at every stage are looking for potential, and the selectors will recommend or not recommend a candidate for training and not for ordination itself. The selectors report is sent to the sponsoring bishop who decides whether or not the candidate should begin training. Criteria for selection All candidates for holy orders should be familiar with the tradition and practice of the Church of England and be ready to work within them. be able to speak of their sense of vocation to ministry and mission, referring both to their own conviction and to the extent to which others have confirmed it. Their sense of vocation should be obedient, realistic and informed. show an understanding of the Christian faith and a desire to deepen their understanding. They should demonstrate personal commitment to Christ and a capacity to communicate the gospel.

8 should show evidence of a commitment to spiritual discipleship, involving individual and corporate prayer and worship. Their spiritual practice should be such as to sustain and energise them in their daily lives. be sufficiently mature and stable to show that they are able to sustain the demanding role of a minister and to face change and pressure in a flexible and balanced way. They should be seen as persons of integrity. demonstrate self-awareness and self-acceptance as a basis for developing open and healthy professional, personal and pastoral relationships as ministers. They should respect the will of the church on matters of sexual morality. show ability to offer leadership in the Church community and to some extent in the wider community. This ability includes the capacity to offer an example of faith and discipleship and to collaborate effectively with others, as well as to guide and shape the life of the Church community in its mission to the world. have the necessary intellectual capacity and quality of mind to undertake satisfactorily a course of theological study and ministerial preparation, and to cope with the intellectual demands of ministry. Divorce Canon C4 which bars divorcees from ordination can only be set aside by an archbishops faculty for which the diocesan bishop must himself apply. Such application is made only after lengthy and searching enquiries, which are not normally conducted until a bishop has decided in principle to sponsor a candidate for selection. 4.8 VOCATION ADVISORS are appointed by the Bishop to assist the Director of Ordinands provide a first point of contact for people wishing to explore a call to ministry help and advise such people to explore their personal vocation, and to deepen their understanding of the ministry to which God may be calling them, separately from the processes of assessment and selection accompany candidates on their journey, assisting them in handling their own response to the assessment and selection processes, including possible disappointment jointly represent a variety of ministries, which enables them to help and advise each other in particular cases, although every adviser looks after particular candidates complete their responsibility when someone ceases to be a candidate. 4.9 TRAINING FOR MINISTRY is increasingly modular, validated and flexible with an emphasis on teamwork, and using a wide spectrum of resources. Length of training is normally three years. Occasionally because of age or considerable previous experience, the sponsoring bishop will recommend a shortened course, or if training has already begun, the diocesan bishop may request a reduction. The East Anglian Ministerial Training Course requires the commitment of a substantial amount of time. The courses involve attendance at seven residential weekends a year, and also an eight-day summer school. In addition, private study at home may require about 15 hours each week. All candidates will be expected to lay down any parochial or deanery duties in order to give first priority to their training. The bishops expect the incumbents of such candidates to encourage and support them, and show pastoral concern for them and their families. Practical financial help from parishes, e.g. with book expenses, is always appreciated.

9 4.10 ASSISTANT CURATES should have an understanding of parochial ministry (e.g. evening work & considerable freedom) a working agreement with their parish priest and mentor two reviews with their area bishop in their first three years a spiritual director or soul friend attendance at the weekly staff meeting as a priority supervision times with their parish priest. Fuller details of training expectations will be found in the Guidelines for training incumbents and curates, available from the CME office. Training posts are negotiated by the DDO in consultation with parish priests and the area bishop offered by the area bishop after seeing the candidate and consulting the parish priest. Training incumbents should be of sufficient maturity and ready to grow in the joys and pains of shared ministry be settled in their present post and expecting to stay have a genuine desire to train rather than seeking an assistant be ready to attend training opportunities to improve their ability to fulfil this role develop a good working relationship with the curate based on trust and openness respect the curate s own experience and be ready to learn as well as train help the curate through the strangeness of a new role meet and pray regularly with the curate and give sufficient time to supervision draw up, in consultation with the curate, spouse and churchwardens, a working agreement to include areas of responsibility, time on and off duty, expenses, CME, staff and chapter meetings, and annual review give the curate increasing responsibility, but guard against overloading. The PCC should pass a resolution supporting the incumbent s invitation to receive a deacon assist the incumbent in the training programme be aware of the time the incumbent will need to give to training pay the curate s expenses not expect a curate necessarily to be replaced. Housing for curates, where none exists already, is only provided when a curacy is definitely secured. Deacons exercise a ministry of service, and in liturgy may read the gospel organise or lead the prayers of intercession prepare the holy table at the offertory help with the distribution of Holy Communion pronounce the dismissal and if appropriate: wear a dalmatic- the vestment of the deacon, if the president wears a chasuble carry in the book of readings at the beginning of the service

10 issue the invitations (to the confession, the acclamation, the communion) receive a blessing from the president before reading the gospel preach the sermon, and give out notices lift the cup if the president lifts the bread at the end of the Eucharistic Prayer or at the invitation to receive the bread and wine say the words at the Breaking of the Bread as the president breaks it assist with the breaking when there is much bread to be broken cleanse the vessels after Communion 4.11 ACCREDITED LAY MINISTRY is formally recognised paid ministry, which is selected and licensed THE RELIGIOUS LIFE Sometimes God calls men and women to live a life under vows in a religious community. Communities in the Diocese: Community of All Hallows, Ditchingham Priory of Our Lady, Walsingham Society of St. Luke, Sheringham THE ORDINATION OF WOMEN TO THE PRIESTHOOD The Priests (Ordination of Women) Measure allows women to be ordained priest. Resolutions that may be passed by the PCC: RESOLUTION A: This Parochial Church Council would not accept a woman as the minister who presides at or celebrates the Holy Communion or pronounces the absolution in the parish. RESOLUTION B: This Parochial Church Council would not accept a woman as the incumbent or priest-in-charge of the benefice or as a team vicar for the benefice. RESOLUTION UNDER THE EPISCOPAL MINISTRY ACT OF SYNOD: This Parochial Church Council resolves to petition the Diocesan Bishop requesting that appropriate episcopal duties in the parish should be carried out in accordance with the Episcopal Ministry Act of Synod l993. Parishes are not required to consider the resolutions except when a vacancy in the benefice is imminent or current and the PCC is meeting to consider the parish statement under the Patronage (Benefices) Measure l986. Any member of the PCC may ask for either or both of the resolutions, to be placed on the agenda of the PCC. The secretary of the PCC has to give members at least four weeks notice of the time and place of the meeting at which the resolution or resolutions are to be considered. After receiving formal notice of the vacancy, only two weeks notice is required. Where the chairman of the PCC refuses or neglects to convene a meeting to consider the resolutions, not less than one third of the members of the PCC may sign a requisition requiring him to call a meeting. If he still refuses or neglects to do so, those members may forthwith convene the meeting. The PCC meeting must be attended by at least half of the members of the PCC entitled to attend. If either or both of the resolutions is passed, a copy shall be sent to

11 the diocesan bishop, the rural dean, the deanery lay chairman, the diocesan registrar, the designated officer, and the registered patron. Only a simple majority (i.e. more than half of the members of the PCC present and voting) is necessary to pass either of the resolutions. There is no time limit either on passing the resolution or keeping it in force. Similarly a resolution may be rescinded by the PCC at any time and the persons referred to in paragraph 5 must be notified. Resolution A cannot be considered by a PCC if the incumbent, priest-in-charge, any team vicar or assistant curate of that benefice is a woman priest. Resolution B can be considered where a woman priest is serving, but not if she is the incumbent or priestin-charge. A district church council cannot consider the resolutions, although the PCC should be sensitive to any expressions of opinion of a district church council. In the case of team and group ministries and benefices held in plurality, the resolutions must be considered by each of the constituent PCCs. If the PCC has passed either or both of the resolutions, the members of the PCC may consider passing a further resolution to petition the Diocesan Bishop asking that appropriate episcopal duties should be carried out in accordance with the Episcopal Ministry Act of Synod l993. Before considering whether to petition the Diocesan Bishop, a PCC will need to consult widely within the parish. The advice of the appropriate provincial episcopal visitor may be sought in connection with the making or consideration of any such petition. Views about the desirability of making a petition may differ widely and the council will need to be sensitive to the difficulties, which may arise for individuals. Special sensitivity will be required where a parish is part of a larger unit or contains within itself several churches. The terms of this resolution are not statutory but a suitable form of words is suggested above. As with the other resolutions, the secretary of the PCC must give members at least four weeks notice of the time and place of the meeting at which the motion is to be considered. The meeting must be attended by at least one half of the members of the PCC. If a PCC passes the resolution, it should inform the diocesan bishop, the rural dean and the lay chairman of the deanery synod. The bishop is not obliged to make arrangements for episcopal duties to be carried out in the parish in accordance with the act of synod, unless at least two thirds of the members of the PCC present and voting are in favour of the resolution and the incumbent or priest-in-charge is also in favour of the resolution. However, if the PCC passes the resolution by a simple majority, but a two thirds majority was not achieved, or the incumbent or priest-incharge is not in favour of the resolution, the bishop may still make arrangements for the parish if he considers it expedient to do so. Where a resolution under the act of synod is in force in the parish, the PCC is required to review the working of any arrangements at least once in very period of five years. If the PCC decides to withdraw a petition this should be done subject to the same conditions as were required for the adoption of a petition (see above). Where a woman has been ordained priest abroad but is currently serving in an English parish as a deacon under the Overseas Clergy Measure l967, she is not to be

12 counted as a woman priest for the purposes of the women priest legislation whilst serving as a deacon. If an incumbent/priest-in-charge does not wish a woman priest to exercise her priestly ministry within his benefice, then his views override those of the PCC PERMISSION TO OFFICIATE is granted to active retired and certain other clergy for three years at a time authorises the person concerned to lead public worship, preach and administer the sacraments, if so qualified, but only at the invitation of the incumbent or, during a vacancy, the rural dean. Application should be made to the diocesan bishop, who will initiate a child protection check and consult the applicant s present or previous bishop PERMISSION TO ADMINISTER HOLY COMMUNION is given by the area bishop to certain lay men and women on the recommendation of the parish priest and PCC(s), including their full names and addresses applies to the distribution of the consecrated elements of bread and wine during a celebration of the Eucharist in church or, when the parish priest so directs, to the sick or elderly in their homes is given on the understanding that the person has been properly prepared by the parish priest is not for Extended Communion is for a three-year period, after which a fresh application should be made to a bishop MINISTRY TEAMS should be established in every benefice, to include the parish priest(s), assistant clergy, readers and lay people who have specific tasks should meet regularly for prayer, study and planning be mutually responsible may invite a consultant to help them with their dynamics RELATIONS WITH OTHER CHURCHES The Ecumenical Canons B43 and B45 and The Declaration of Ecumenical Welcome provide both encouragement and guidance to parishes in their search for the unity for which Christ prayed, in common evangelism and service to the world indicate possibilities and procedures for local initiatives from tentative first steps to developed partnerships. Canon B43 applies to ecumenical relations in all parishes and places of worship. Canon B44 is concerned with Local Ecumenical Partnerships. The declaration is intended for those places where there is only one church building. The diocesan ecumenical officer should be consulted in the first instance regarding these possibilities and opportunities. Ministers of other denominations officiating at Church of England services may, if authorised for similar duties in their own Church, by invitation of the parish priest: lead prayers or read the scriptures at any service preach at any service with the approval of the PCC

13 and, with the approval of the PCC and the bishop: assist at baptisms, marriages, funerals conduct Morning or Evening Prayer or the Litany assist in the distribution of the sacrament at Communion. Church of England Ministers officiating at services of other denominations may accept from an authorised person of another Church an invitation to take part in the service if what is asked is similar to that for which he is authorised by the Church of England the approval of the relevant incumbent has been obtained for any service on a regular basis, or in the case of being invited to share in an ordination or preside at Holy Communion, the approval of the Bishop and the PCC has been obtained. Joint worship and use of Church of England churches by other denominations An incumbent, with the approval of the PCC and the bishop, may invite members of another Church to take part in joint worship, or to use a church in the parish for worship according to the rites of that other Church. Local Ecumenical Partnerships In Local Ecumenical Partnerships, registered with Norfolk and Waveney Churches Together, different regulations apply, and wider permissions may be granted. For further information, consult the diocesan ecumenical officer. Churches to which Canons B43 & B44 apply Those churches designated by the archbishops which subscribe to the doctrine of the Holy Trinity Those churches designated by the archbishops to which the Sharing of Church Buildings Act 1969 applies House of Bishops guidelines for relations with the Religious Society of Friends and the Salvation Army (June 1991). The Declaration of Ecumenical Welcome and Commitment In many places the parish church is the only place of worship and many congregations include members of our sister churches. In these situations, parishes are encouraged to make a declaration of ecumenical welcome and commitment inviting all Christians in the parish to be fully part of the parish s life and fellowship. This enables the insights, strengths, gifts and graces of our sister churches to be brought into the whole life of the congregation. That life will include worship, mission and service and the administrative and decision making process. The Diocesan Ecumenical Officer will advise parishes on this matter. Eucharistic Hospitality may be offered on an occasional basis to members of our sister churches.

14 4.18 CLERGY HOLIDAYS, RETREATS AND IN-SERVICE TRAINING It is important for the health and well being of the clergy and their families, that a proper rhythm of rest and recreation should be an integral part of their life. In addition, the spiritual and intellectual life of the clergy needs regular refreshment through periods of quiet reflection and study, and ministerial skills need to be strengthened and developed through in-service training. The norm for all clergy should be : between 8 and 10 hours of duty a day one clear day each week six weeks holiday each year, to include four Sundays at least four days retreat each year at least five days training each year, for those who have served more than three years in orders. (More extensive periods are arranged for the newly ordained). These periods of holiday, retreat and training must be seen in the context of a six-day working week. It is hoped that churchwardens and PCCs will assist clergy, for example by providing the costs of an annual retreat, and encourage them to take seriously the norms set out above. Adequate time for rest and recreation ultimately benefits not just the clergy and their families, but the people they serve CLERGY SUPPORT is very important for the wellbeing of the minister, their family and their ministry is best arranged by each minister for themselves will naturally include at various levels churchwardens, the ministry team, the rural dean, the deanery chapter, the archdeacon, and the area bishop may also include a spiritual director, soul friend or mentor, and a cell will be reviewed by the archdeacon or area bishop on pastoral visits may be provided at times of stress or trouble by one of the diocesan counsellors Spouses are supported through the Links system. Causes of stress include changes in society, falling congregations, increased responsibility, confusion of role, overwork, financial pressures, over-accessibility, increased paperwork, and a reluctance to seek help. Most of these are not peculiar to clergy. Important safeguards in preventing stress as well as support are prayer, good time management, exercise, diet, rest, and outside interests and friends.

15 4.20 CONTINUING MINISTERIAL EDUCATION An allowance of 100 a year is available to stipendiary clergy (apart from curates) This can be accrued up to 3 years to give a total of 300. If it is not used after this time, the money goes back into diocesan funds. This grant may be used for retreats, but a grant will not be given for the same activity for more than two consecutive years. This money may be added to the sabbatical grant of up to 500 to give a total of 800 for a sabbatical. At conferences where the cost is directly billed to CME, the cost will be deducted from the annual grant of the participant. Curates in their first three years are not eligible for the annual grant because their training is paid through CME over this period. Application forms are available from the CME secretary. The application is subject to the director s approval. Study leave and sabbaticals are periods of withdrawal from parish and diocesan life for the purpose of reflection, rest, spiritual refreshment and study. The balance of these four elements may vary according to individual needs. To be eligible for consideration, the applicant should normally have completed at least 7 years in full time stipendiary ministry, and to have been in post for at least 3 years. The length will normally be one month, although clergy may add this to their normal leave. In exceptional circumstances an area bishop may be prepared to consider a period longer than one month, depending upon personal circumstances, pastoral need, and the nature of the study leave proposal. Those wishing to be considered are advised to approach the CME officer first in order to discuss ideas for places to go and things to do. Having put a proposal together, it will then be necessary to see an area bishop or archdeacon to gain approval in principle. All proposals should include a clear statement of the following: the value of study leave or sabbatical to the individual and to his or her ministry a detailed account of the nature of the proposal some idea of costs and possible sources of funding arrangements to be made in the parish or benefice for cover. When approval in principle is given by the area bishop or archdeacon, a more formal application form should be completed and sent to the CME officer so that he can process and pass it to the bishop s staff for decision. Time scale for applications Plans for study leave and sabbaticals are best made well in advance. It is wise to start planning at least one full year ahead. It is never too early to begin, but it can be too late. The bishop s staff will normally consider applications on two occasions each year - in January and July. The following list of critical dates will assist your planning: All study leave proposals must be approved in principle by the area bishop or archdeacon by the 1 May for the July bishop s staff meeting, or 1 November for the following year s January meeting. All completed applications forms must be with the CME officer by either 1 June or 1 December of each year.

16 The CME officer will forward all completed applications to the bishop s staff by 30 June or 3l December of each year. The bishop s staff will consider applications at their January and July meetings. They will decide on priorities in the light of the available budget provision. Applicants will be informed of the outcome as soon as possible after the bishop s staff meeting, normally by the beginning of February or the beginning of August of each year. Funding Grants of up to 500 are made for study leave and sabbaticals. Where the CME grant does not cover the full cost of study leave other sources of funding from charitable trusts should be considered well in advance. The CME officer may be able to help with this process. A normal stipend will be paid during the period of study leave, but parishes will be expected to cover the costs of absence from the parish. It is important that these issues are discussed with the parish at an early opportunity. Report At the end of the period the minister is expected to submit a written report, which will be seen by the bishop and the CME officer. Ministers are encouraged to share their experiences with the PCC and the deanery, and perhaps also with others serving in the diocese. Award-bearing courses All applications for award-bearing courses of academic study should follow a similar procedure to that outlined above for study leave and sabbaticals, even though no leave of absence is requested. The bishop s staff will deal with such applications in January or July each year at the same time as applications for study leave and sabbaticals. NSMs and OLMs are not eligible for study leave grants, but they are encouraged to continue with their training through attendance at short courses for which they may apply for an appropriate CME grant MINISTRY REVIEWS All beneficed and licensed clergy are invited to review their ministry every other year with the bishop of archdeacon on their pastoral visits. Its purpose is to help match expectations, assess priorities, and encourage development. As in all such reviews aims or targets need to be specific, realistic, accurate and timely CLERGY PAY AND BENEFITS Stipends are paid by the Church Commissioners on behalf of the Archbishop s Council. A stipend is strictly a maintenance allowance. The booklet entitled Your Stipend - What you need to know contains details of how the stipend of the clergy and licensed lay workers is paid, income tax and allowances, national insurance, car loans and other financial information. Copies are obtainable from Diocesan House. State pension is not taken into account in determining stipend. Parochial Expenses incurred by the clergy are the responsibility of the PCC. Procedures during absence Full-time stipendiary clergy and layworkers should offer mutual support to one another in holiday periods and provide cover during sickness and vacancies without charge. Any payment and any fees received would in any case have to be declared, resulting in an adjustment to their stipend the following year.

17 Holidays. The clergy will usually make their own arrangements for services to be taken, but the PCC are asked to meet the cost of travel and hospitality and, where appropriate, pay the casual duty rate to retired clergy holding the bishop s permission to officiate. Fees Instituted incumbents are encouraged to assign statutory fees in order to receive a regular stipend of the same amount each month. Alternatively the incumbent is entitled to keep statutory fees as part of the stipend. All fees due to the incumbent whether or not he personally has taken the service and whether or not he keeps or assigns, should be declared on The Central Register of Income Return. Full-time instituted clergy, also acting as priest-in-charge in another parish or benefice, should deal with income from that post in the same way as for the full-time post. Priests-in-charge are required to forward all fees to the DBF. Curates must hand over to all fees received to the incumbent, if the incumbent keeps his fees, or paid to the DBF if the incumbent assigns. The above rules apply to the individual clergy in a group ministry. In team ministries, if the team rector has elected to keep his fees, then he may choose to allow his colleagues to keep fees and declare them on their own returns, or pay over all fees to him to be declared on his own return. If he assigns, then all fees should be paid over to the DBF and the amounts entered on the team rector s return. If the incumbent s fees are received only by the incumbent and declared on his returns, a more accurate record is obtained of the emoluments of each benefice and the accounting is simplified. In no circumstances should fees or other payments be made to readers or non-stipendiary ministers. Long term sickness In the rare cases of absence of the clergy for more than a few weeks, the PCC may reclaim from Diocesan House the casual duty rate and other expenses paid to retired clergy. In a vacancy See 3.30 Casual duty rates approximate very closely to national guidelines. They are revised annually, and are available from Diocesan House. With effect from 1 January 2002 these are: Duty involving one service on a Sunday or weekday Full Sunday duty involving two or more services A wedding in church A funeral in church A service in a cemetery or crematorium Mileage rates Below 10,000 miles 40p per mile Over 10,000 miles 25p per mile Car loans can be arranged with the Church Commissioners. NSMs and readers offer their services to the church in a voluntary capacity. They therefore receive no fees for conducting services or occasional offices, but pass any fees involved to the parish priest, at whose request they have taken the service. For all Sunday and weekday services, they are entitled to have their expenses paid in full, including travel and meals when necessary. For occasional offices such as funerals, they are entitled to claim for travelling to and from a cemetery or crematorium, either in terms of actual mileage or at the rate agreed by the parish. They are also entitled to claim for loss

18 of earnings when taking a service during their working hours or outside the normal expectations of their licence. Retired clergy assist in the normal pattern of worship in their own benefice without payment. For all other services they should be offered payment at the casual duty rate. For all Sunday and weekday services, they are entitled to have their expenses paid in full, including travel and meals when necessary. For occasional offices such as funerals, they are entitled to claim for travelling to and from a cemetery or crematorium, either in terms of actual mileage or at the rate agreed by the parish. Payment for an occasional office at the casual duty rate may be paid out of the statutory incumbent s fee received for that service. When the service is held in church and the statutory fee belongs to the parish priest, the Inland Revenue has agreed that the payment and expenses for a retired priest or NSM or reader can be met from the statutory fee without incurring tax liability. When the parish priest has assigned their fees, the DBF has also agreed that payments and expenses of retired clergy, and expenses of NSMs and readers, may be paid from the statutory fee. The balance should be sent to Diocesan House in the normal way. Whether fees are assigned or not, it should always be clearly stated on the return to the DBF where a payment has been to someone else. Record keeping All clergy must keep a record of monies they have received, and where, when and to whom they have been paid. In the light of recent high profile cases, where fraud has been alleged, there is a need for everyone to be able to provide for the Inland Revenue a clearly identifiable audit trail in respect of all fees. All parish priests should make a return to the diocese on a monthly basis CHARGES FOR WEDDINGS, FUNERALS & OTHER SPECIAL SERVICES Extra charges, as distinct from statutory fees, are for items over and above the minimum essentials. It is important that such charges, and their periodic revision, should be agreed between the incumbent and the PCC. They should be both realistic and fair and not constitute a discouragement to people who seek the ministry. The following table shows the recommended charges for the diocese and maxima, which PCCs are asked not to exceed. It is recommended that the scale of charges be publicly displayed. Item Payable to Recommended Maximum Organist Organist Weddings Funerals Choir Choristers 5 per adult 8 3 per child 5 Bells Ringers 7 per ringer 12 Carillon The operator Heating The PCC at cost Verger s gratuity Verger or equivalent The charges above are recommended from l January Reviews will take place periodically in conjunction with the Parochial Fees Orders, which fix the statutory fee.

19 Where appropriate the charges recommended for weddings, less the statutory fees for publication of banns and marriage certificate, may be levied for Services of Prayer & Dedication after civil marriage. The maximum does not apply to professional fees. Video recording during divine service It is essential that the people concerned obtain the necessary copyright permissions. In the event of a subsequent public performance of the recording, royalties may become payable. It is recommended that the PCC makes no charge for using photographic, audio or video-recording equipment inside the church, and that the incumbent retains the right to refuse to allow a service to be recorded. It should also be noted that the Royal School of Church Music recommends increasing the organist s fee when an audio or video recording is made of the service. The resident organist, if available, is entitled to the basic fee where a family requests a different organist to play at a wedding or funeral LEGAL DEFENCE PROTECTION for clergy is arranged by the DBF. Costs and expenses up to 100,000 may be paid by DAS Legal Expenses Insurance, in respect of: prosecution in a criminal court, or civil action for unlawful discrimination on grounds of race or sex, or offences against the Data Protection Act dealing with the police or prosecuting authority if a criminal offence is alleged awards of compensation under the Data Protection Act appeal proceedings following a full enquiry by the Inland Revenue IN TIME OF SICKNESS (this applies primarily to serving stipendiary ministers, ordained or lay, rather than NSMs or retired clergy) Pastoral care When a minister is ill the rural dean should be informed, who in turn will inform the archdeacon. The bishops and archdeacons like to be able to visit (or, at times, to be in touch by telephone) when there is sickness, and to remember the minister concerned in their prayers. At the intercessions before every bishop s staff meeting, the sick are prayed for by name. Usually only the appropriate archdeacon, or one of the bishops, will visit and keep in touch, in the name of all. The care of the parish The rural dean and churchwardens (in consultation with the priest if he wishes and is well enough) will make the necessary arrangements for the work and worship of the parish. Rural deans expect to be asked to help in this way when an incumbent is ill. The archdeacon may be able to give financial assistance for convalescence. Sickness benefit When a stipendiary minister is off work for four or more consecutive days through illness, a self-certified form (Statutory Sick Pay Scheme) which all clergy should hold should be completed and sent to the Diocesan Secretary. Further forms can be obtained, if needed, from Diocesan House. After eight weeks, a doctor s certificate is required. It is important, in the interest of the diocesan stipends fund, that this procedure is always used. If the minister is off duty for six months or more, it may be possible to claim incapacity benefit, which should be deducted from stipend. In cases of prolonged illness, the bishop may ask for an independent medical examination with a view to seeking early retirement. Financial assistance The cost of providing sickness cover, including a fee, if applicable, for taking a service, travel costs and hospitality if appropriate, should be paid in the first