Lavyersons Face a Dilemma
Episcopal News Service. February 23, 1989 [89036]
David E. Sumner, Episcopal Communicator and Author
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (DPS, Feb. 23) -- A new rector or bishop arrives on the scene. Should the entire parish or diocesan staff -- lay and ordained -- offer their resignations? For Episcopal parishes and diocesan staffs, tradition and custom say "yes." However, not everyone agrees.
If an ordained staff person resigns, then he or she has existing networks and help in finding a new job elsewhere. A lay professional, however, may find it difficult to locate a new job, or family constraints may make a move to another city impossible.
Both the Association of Anglican Musicians and the American Guild of Organists strongly discourage their members from submitting pro forma resignations, according to Howard Ross.
Ross, who is organist-choirmaster at the Church of the Transfiguration in Dallas, Texas, points out that laypersons can also lose their church pensions if they change jobs. "I don't see how resignations can be expected when the perquisites that laypeople have worked to receive cannot be taken along to the next job," says Ross. "Morally, I would call it a form of theft."
The canons require that subordinate clergy resign, but not laypersons. "I don't agree with the expectation that subordinate clergy should resign, but at least they can't lose their pensions because of it," Ross says.
On the other hand, Steve Clark, a full-time organistchoirmaster in Knoxville, Tennessee, thinks pro forma resignations are necessary. He is a "survivor" in a rector change at the Church of the Ascension that occurred four years ago. He did submit a letter of resignation when the new rector arrived, but was asked to remain.
"Five years ago, I didn't think that staff members should have to submit resignations, but I do now," says Clark. "It all boils down to a question of chemistry. The rector has to be able to work with people without tension, and find those people he -- or she -- can work with harmoniously."
Clark thinks that if staff changes occur, most rectors will handle them with care and diligence. "After six months, the rector might tell someone to start looking for another job, and then give them six months to do so," he comments.
Both the rector and the senior warden at Christ Church, Cincinnati, Ohio, agree that any staff changes should come slowly. "Asking for the wholesale resignation of staff makes no sense," says the Rev. James Snodgrass, who became rector of the large downtown church two years ago.
"It takes a rector 18 to 24 months to gain the trust and insight necessary for leadership and new ministry direction." Snodgrass says he inherited an existing staff, "and was very, very thankful for their help in orienting me."
Snodgrass says he is starting to make some staff changes for the parish, which employs four priests and several lay professionals. however, he is making theses changes in close consultation with the wardens and vestry, and on a case-by-case basis.
"A complete changing of the guard can have adverse effects on programs and projects," says Linda Callard, the senior warden of Christ Church. "It may set back the parish momentum during a lengthy initiation period."
The Rt. Rev. Fred Borsch, who was consecrated Bishop of Los Angeles last summer, says he "did not ask for resignations here," but dealt with each case on an individual basis.
"I think the most senior people ought to indicate their willingness to change if the bishop wishes -- but not the others," Borsch adds.
The issue of pro forma resignations is being discussed by the National Network for Lay Professionals. They would like to hear from anyone who has experiences or problems in this area to report. Write to Ruth Schmidt, Executive Secretary, 2401 Bristol Court SW, Olympia, Washington 98502. The network also offers free subscriptions to their newsletter, Callings. Send requests to the same address.