Non-Stipendiary Clergy Group Organized
Diocesan Press Service. December 21, 1973 [73280]
ATLANTA, Ga. -- During the past year there has developed in the Diocese of Atlanta a fellowship of non-stipendiary clergy numbering about 30 active members. The new group meets monthly and is made up mostly of priests, but includes several permanent deacons, and all of them, deacons and priests, earn their living in secular employment.
The Rev. Walter Smith, who a few years ago left the parish ministry for full-time counselling and who is convenor of the non-stipendiary clergy, described the group. "Ten years ago," he said, "if a priest left the parish ministry he was treated as if he had resigned from the ministry. Today, however, " he added, "some men feel that they can continue their ministry outside normal parish channels. "
In telling of the origin of the new fellowship of non-stipendiary clergy, Fr. Smith said, "About a year ago a group of us approached the bishop (the Rt. Rev. Bennett J. Sims) asking for some recognition. At the bishop's suggestion, a study to determine the need was made and 25 expressed a desire to join a group." Smith explained, "Some of these are canonically resident, but most are not. All want to be able to express their ministry and most of them have some special skill needing to be utilized. "
The group gathered at the bishop's house and at first set up a program calling for quarterly meetings. However, they had so much to talk about that they soon decided on a monthly meeting.
One of their first acts was to make a list of everyone's interest and skill and to make the list available to parochial clergy, and formally to offer their assistance. One is a lawyer, another an accountant, several are teachers, two are psychologists and they have offered their skills.
The result is a growing usefulness. The non-stipendiaries are receiving personal fulfillment, they are a ready source of supply and assistance to the parish clergy, and the Church is enriched by their ministry.