Bishop Jones Declares Ministry Moratorium
Diocesan Press Service. December 8, 1975 [75430]
ST. LOUIS, Mo. -- A two-year moratorium has been declared on the consideration and acceptance of new applicants for the ordained ministry by the Rt. Rev. William A. Jones, Jr., Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri.
In a letter dated Nov. 26, 1975, the bishop told senior wardens and clergy of the 20,000-member diocese that "during this two-year period neither I nor the Commission on the Ministry will interview or accept new applicants for the Ministry.
"The purpose of this action is to allow the Diocese of Missouri time to design and review together new policies regarding the entire range of issues related to the selection, training, endorsement, ordination and placement of men and women in the Ministry of the Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Missouri.
"A major factor is the large number of persons seeking ordination and the decreasing number of salaried positions available. *
"The Commission and I had been beginning to develop new policies, while at the same time continuing to admit new applicants under old guidelines. In doing this we have come to the conclusion that this is both unfair to the persons and irresponsible to the diocese as a whole.
"Chief among our concerns are (1) the post-seminary training of Deacons ; (2) the extent of diocesan responsibility to those canonically resident; (3) the training and utilization of non-stipendiary clergy; (4) the method of screening and selection of applicants. None of these issues is simple. Policy relating to any one of them has far-reaching implications for the life of our diocese.
* This sentence was in italic type and underlined.
"In keeping with the spirit of this diocese I am directing the Commission on the Ministry, during the period of the moratorium, to prepare and propose guidelines for all these areas, and others that are related to ministry in our diocese. I want to have time for Convocations to review proposed policies, and make whatever input they wish. "The moratorium will not affect those already in process; they will continue under the current guidelines. Their names are on the attached list in Group I. +
"At the time of writing I have received many requests from persons for an interview. These persons, who are in process, may proceed if they wish under the current guidelines. Their names are included in Group II. **
"In my opinion, the needs for clarity and professional responsibility relating to the clergy of the diocese have such high priority that we would do well to take this time to do what we do thoroughly and prayerfully. "
Bishop Jones noted in his letter that Bishops Bennett Sims (Atlanta) and John Krumm (Southern Ohio) have also declared moratoriums.
Bishop Jones said he took the action only "after weeks of careful thought ... and with the review and approval of the Commission on the Ministry, Nov. 24, and the counsel and assent of the Standing Committee, Nov. 25."
+ 16 names appear
** 7 names appear