The Acts of Convention

House of Deputies

The House of Deputies Committee on Formation and Education for Ministry presented its Report #46 on Resolution A120 (Amend Canon III.7 to add 7.11; amend Canon III.9, to add 9.12, and renumber 9.12 and 9.13; and Amend Canon III.12, to add 12.8 and Renumber 12.8, 12.9, and 12.10) and moved adoption with amendment.

Original Text of Resolution:

(A120)

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That Canon III.7 be amended to add a new Canon III.7.11 to read as follows:

Sec. 11. Return to the Ordained Ministry of this Church after Release and Removal.

(a) When a Deacon who has been released and removed from the ordained Ministry of this Church under Canon III.7.8 desires to return to that Ministry, the person shall apply in writing to the Bishop of the Diocese in which the Deacon was last canonically resident, attaching the following:

(1) Evidence that the person is a confirmed adult communicant in good standing in a Congregation of this Church;

(2) Evidence of previous ordained Ministry in this Church, and other Churches as applicable.

(3) Evidence of moral and godly character;

(4) Evidence that the person is free from any vows or other engagements inconsistent with the exercise of ordained Ministry in this Church;

(5) A certificate from at least two Clergy in this Church stating that, from personal examination or from satisfactory evidence presented to them, they believe that the departure of the person from the ordained Ministry of this Church and from the ordained Ministry of any other Church to which the person has belonged since his or her departure from the ordained Ministry of this Church has not arisen from any circumstance reflecting unfavorably on his or her moral or religious character, or on account of which it may not be expedient to permit the person to return to the ordained Ministry of this Church;

(6) A letter of support in the form provided in Canon III.6.6(b)(2) from the Rector or Member of the Clergy in charge and Vestry of a Parish of this Church; and

(7) A statement of the reasons for seeking to return to the ordained Ministry of this Church.

(b) The provisions of Canon III.6.5(a) shall be applicable.

(c) The Commission on Ministry may, with the consent of the Bishop, and with notice to the applicant, examine the applicant in any subject described in Canons III.6.5(f) and (g).

(d) Before the person may be permitted to return to the ordained Ministry of this Church, the Bishop shall require a promise in writing to submit in all things to the Discipline of this Church without recourse to any other ecclesiastical jurisdiction, and shall further require the person to subscribe and make in the presence of the Bishop and two or more members of the Clergy of this Church the declaration required in Article VIII of the Constitution.

(e) Thereafter the Bishop, being satisfied of the person’s theological qualifications and soundness in the faith, taking into account the facts and circumstances surrounding the person’s removal and release, may permit, with the advice and consent of the Standing Committee, the return of the person into the ordained Ministry of this Church.

(f) No one shall be permitted to return to the ordained Ministry of this Church under this Canon less than twelve months from the date of having most recently become a communicant of this Church unless the Bishop Diocesan and a majority of the members of the Standing Committee conclude that special circumstances exist to merit such return which will benefit the needs of this Church.

(g) Notice of the person’s return to the ordained Ministry of this Church shall be provided in writing to the same persons and entities receiving notice under Canon III.7.10.; and be it further

Resolved, That Canon III.9 be amended to add a new Canon III.9.12 to read as follows, and renumbering the two subsequent sections to be Canon III.9.13 and III.9.14.

Sec. 12. Return to the Ordained Ministry of this Church after Release and Removal.

(a) When a Priest who has been released and removed from the ordained Ministry of this Church under Canon III.9.8 desires to return to that Ministry, the person shall apply in writing to the Bishop of the Diocese in which the Priest was last canonically resident, attaching the following:

(1) Evidence that the person is a confirmed adult communicant in good standing in a Congregation of this Church;

(2) Evidence of previous ordained Ministry in this Church and other Churches as applicable;

(3) Evidence of moral and godly character;

(4) Evidence that the person is free from any vows or other engagements inconsistent with the exercise of ordained Ministry in this Church;

(5) A certificate from at least two Priests in this Church stating that, from personal examination or from satisfactory evidence presented to them, they believe that the departure of the person from the ordained Ministry of this Church and from the ordained Ministry of any other Church to which the person has belonged since his or her departure from the ordained Ministry of this Church has not arisen from any circumstance reflecting unfavorably on his or her moral or religious character, or on account of which it may not be expedient to permit the person to return to the ordained Ministry of this Church;

(6) A letter of support in the form provided in Canon III.8.7(b)(2) from the Rector or Member of the Clergy in charge and Vestry of a Parish of this Church; and

(7) A statement of the reasons for seeking to return to the ordained Ministry of this Church.

(b) The provisions of Canon III.8.5(a) shall be applicable.

(c) The Commission on Ministry may, with the consent of the Bishop, and with notice to the applicant, examine the applicant in any other subject required described in by Canons III.8.5(g) and (h).

(d) Before the person may be permitted to return to the ordained Ministry of this Church, the Bishop shall require a promise in writing to submit in all things to the Discipline of this Church without recourse to any other ecclesiastical jurisdiction or foreign civil jurisdiction, and shall further require the person to subscribe and make in the presence of the Bishop and two or more Presbyters the declaration required in Article VIII of the Constitution.

(e) Thereafter the Bishop, being satisfied of the person’s theological qualifications and soundness in the faith, taking into account the facts and circumstances surrounding the person’s removal and release, may permit, with the advice and consent of the Standing Committee, the return of the person into the ordained Ministry of this Church.

(f) No one shall be permitted to return to the ordained Ministry of this Church under this Canon less than 12 months from the date of having most recently become a communicant of this Church unless the Bishop Diocesan and a majority of the members of the Standing Committee conclude that special circumstances exist to merit such return which will benefit the needs of this Church.

(g) Notice of the person’s return to the ordained Ministry of this Church shall be provided in writing to the same persons and entities receiving notice under Canon III.9.11.; and be it further

Resolved, That Canon III.12 be amended to add a new Canon III.12.8, to read as follows, and renumbering the three subsequent sections to be Canon III.12.9, III.12.10, and III.12.11.

Sec. 8. Return to the Ordained Ministry of this Church after Release and Removal

(a) When a Bishop who has been released and removed from the ordained Ministry of this Church under Canon III.12.7 desires to return to that Ministry, the person shall apply in writing to the Presiding Bishop, attaching the following:

(1) Evidence that the person is a confirmed adult communicant in good standing in a Congregation of this Church;

(2) Evidence of previous ordained Ministry in this Church, and other Churches as applicable;

(3) Evidence of a moral and godly character;

(4) Evidence that the person is free from any vows or other engagements inconsistent with the exercise of ordained Ministry in this Church;

(5) A certificate from at least two Bishops in this Church stating that, from personal examination or from satisfactory evidence presented to them, they believe that the departure of the person from the ordained Ministry of this Church and from ordained Ministry of any other Church to which the person has belonged since his or her departure from the ordained Ministry of this Church has not arisen from any circumstance reflecting unfavorably on his or her moral or religious character, or on account of which it may not be expedient to permit the person to return to the ordained Ministry of this Church;

(6) A letter of support from the Bishop of the Diocese in which the person was last canonically resident; and

(7) A statement of the reasons for seeking to return to the ordained Ministry of this Church.

(b) The Presiding Bishop shall examine the person regarding his or her reasons for departure from the ordained Ministry of this Church, reasons for seeking to return to that Ministry, and any other subject reflecting on that person’s fitness to return to the ordained Ministry of this Church.The Presiding Bishop may, at his or her discretion, invite others to participate in the examination.

(c) Before the person may be permitted to return to the ordained Ministry of this Church, the Bishop shall require a promise in writing to all things to the Discipline of this Church without recourse to any other ecclesiastical jurisdiction or foreign civil jurisdiction, and shall further require the person to subscribe and make in the present of the Presiding Bishop and two or more Bishops the declaration required in Article VIII of the Constitution.

(d) Thereafter the Presiding Bishop, being satisfied of the person’s theological qualifications and soundness in the faith, taking into account the facts and circumstances surrounding the person’s removal and release, may permit, with the advice and consent of the Advisory Council to the Presiding Bishop, the return of the person into the ordained Ministry of this Church.

(e) No one shall be permitted to return to the ordained Ministry of this Church under this Canon less than 12 months from the date of having most recently become a communicant of this Church unless the Presiding Bishop and a majority of the members of the Advisory Council to the Presiding Bishop conclude that special circumstances exist to merit such return which will benefit the needs of this Church.

(f) Notice of the person’s return to the ordained Ministry of this Church shall be provided in writing to the same persons and entities receiving notice under Canon III.12.7(c).

Committee Amendment:

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That Canon III.7 be amended to add a new Canon III.7.11 to read as follows:

Sec. 11. Return to the Ordained Ministry of this Church after Release and Removal.

(a) When a Deacon who has been released and removed from the ordained Ministry of this Church under Canon III.7.8 desires to return to that Ministry, the person shall apply in writing to the Bishop of the Diocese in which the Deacon was last canonically resident, attaching the following:

(1) Evidence that the person is a confirmed adult communicant in good standing in a Congregation of this Church;

(2) Evidence of previous ordained Ministry in this Church, and other Churches as applicable.

(3) Evidence of moral and godly character;

(4) Evidence that the person is free from any vows or other engagements inconsistent with the exercise of ordained Ministry in this Church;

(5) A certificate from at least two Clergy in this Church stating that, from personal examination or from satisfactory evidence presented to them, they believe that the departure of the person from the ordained Ministry of this Church and from the ordained Ministry of any other Church to which the person has belonged since his or her departure from the ordained Ministry of this Church has not arisen from any circumstance reflecting unfavorably on his or her moral or religious character, or on account of which it may not be expedient to permit the person to return to the ordained Ministry of this Church;

(6) A letter of support in the form provided in Canon III.6.6(b)(2) from the Rector or Member of the Clergy in charge and Vestry of a Parish of this Church; and

(7) A statement of the reasons for seeking to return to the ordained Ministry of this Church.

(1) Evidence of previous ordination in The Episcopal Church;

(2) Evidence of appropriate background checks, certifications and proof of completion of applicable trainings including abuse prevention and anti-racism trainings;

(3) A statement from no less than two members of the clergy known to the applicant in support of the application;

(4) A statement of the reasons for seeking to return to the ordained Ministry of this Church.

(b) The provisions of Canon III.6.5(a) shall be applicable.

(b) If the Bishop so chooses, the Bishop may give permission for the Deacon to continue the process toward reinstatement, which may include the following:

(1) Active participation in a congregation for a period of time at the Bishop’s discretion;

(2) Regular contact with the Bishop or the Bishop’s designee during the course of the process;

(3) Evaluation by a licensed mental health professional of the Bishop’s choosing for the purposes of evaluation and of determining fitness for resumption of ordained ministry in this church;

(4) Two references from those who are able to discuss the Deacon’s former ministry;

(5) Meeting with the Standing Committee, who shall have the benefit of the materials above and who shall provide to the Bishop its recommendation regarding reinstatement;

(c) The Commission on Ministry may, with the consent of the Bishop, and with notice to the applicant, examine the applicant in any subject described in Canons III.6.5(f) and (g).

(d) Before the person may be permitted to return to the ordained Ministry of this Church, the Bishop shall require a promise in writing to submit in all things to the Discipline of this Church without recourse to any other ecclesiastical jurisdiction, and shall further require the person to subscribe and make in the presence of the Bishop and two or more members of the Clergy of this Church the declaration required in Article VIII of the Constitution.

(c) Before the person may be permitted to return to the ordained Ministry of this Church, the Bishop shall require the Deacon seeking to return to the ministry to sign a written declaration as required in Article VIII of the Constitution, without recourse to any other ecclesiastical jurisdiction and execute such declaration in the presence of the Bishop and two or more members of the clergy of this Church.

(e) (d) Thereafter the Bishop, being satisfied of the person’s theological qualifications and soundness in the faith, taking into account the facts and circumstances surrounding the person's Deacon’s removal and release, may permit, with the advice and consent of the Standing Committee, the return of the person Deacon into the ordained Ministry of this Church.

(f) No one shall be permitted to return to the ordained Ministry of this Church under this Canon less than twelve months from the date of having most recently become a communicant of this Church unless the Bishop Diocesan and a majority of the members of the Standing Committee conclude that special circumstances exist to merit such return which will benefit the needs of this Church.

(e) The provisions of this Canon III.7.11 shall not be applicable to any Deacon who has been removed, released, or deposed from their ministry as the result of any proceeding of Title IV of these Canons.

(g) (f) Notice of the person’s Deacon's return to the ordained Ministry of this Church shall be provided in writing to the same persons and entities receiving notice under Canon III.7.10.; and be it further

Resolved, That Canon III.9 be amended to add a new Canon III.9.12 to read as follows, and renumbering the two subsequent sections to be Canon III.9.13 and III.9.14.

Sec. 12. Return to the Ordained Ministry of this Church after Release and Removal.

(a) When a Priest who has been released and removed from the ordained Ministry of this Church under Canon III.9.8 desires to return to that Ministry, the person shall apply in writing to the Bishop of the Diocese in which the Priest was last canonically resident, attaching the following:

(1) Evidence that the person is a confirmed adult communicant in good standing in a Congregation of this Church;

(2) Evidence of previous ordained Ministry in this Church and other Churches as applicable;

(3) Evidence of moral and godly character;

(4) Evidence that the person is free from any vows or other engagements inconsistent with the exercise of ordained Ministry in this Church;

(5) A certificate from at least two Priests in this Church stating that, from personal examination or from satisfactory evidence presented to them, they believe that the departure of the person from the ordained Ministry of this Church and from the ordained Ministry of any other Church to which the person has belonged since his or her departure from the ordained Ministry of this Church has not arisen from any circumstance reflecting unfavorably on his or her moral or religious character, or on account of which it may not be expedient to permit the person to return to the ordained Ministry of this Church;

(6) A letter of support in the form provided in Canon III.8.7(b)(2) from the Rector or Member of the Clergy in charge and Vestry of a Parish of this Church; and

(7) A statement of the reasons for seeking to return to the ordained Ministry of this Church.

(1) Evidence of previous ordination in The Episcopal Church;

(2) Evidence of appropriate background checks, certifications and proof of completion of applicable trainings including abuse prevention and anti-racism trainings;

(3) A statement from no less than two members of the clergy known to the applicant in support of the application;

(4) A statement of the reasons for seeking to return to the ordained Ministry of this Church.

(b) The provisions of Canon III.8.5(a) shall be applicable.

(b) If the Bishop so chooses, Bishop may give permission for the Priest to continue the process toward reinstatement, which may include the following:

(1) Active participation in a congregation for a period of time at the Bishop’s discretion;

(2) Regular contact with the Bishop or the Bishop’s designee during the course of the process;

(3) Evaluation by a licensed mental health professional of the Bishop’s choosing for the purposes of evaluation and of determining fitness for resumption of ordained ministry in this church;

(4) Two references from those who are able to discuss the Priest’s former ministry;

(5) Meeting with the Standing Committee, who shall have the benefit of the materials above and who shall provide to the Bishop its recommendation regarding reinstatement;

(c) The Commission on Ministry may, with the consent of the Bishop, and with notice to the applicant, examine the applicant in any other subject required described in by Canons III.8.5(g) and (h).

(d) Before the person may be permitted to return to the ordained Ministry of this Church, the Bishop shall require a promise in writing to submit in all things to the Discipline of this Church without recourse to any other ecclesiastical jurisdiction or foreign civil jurisdiction, and shall further require the person to subscribe and make in the presence of the Bishop and two or more Presbyters the declaration required in Article VIII of the Constitution.

(c) Before the Priest may be permitted to return to the ordained Ministry of this Church, the Bishop shall require the Priest seeking to return to the ministry to sign a written declaration as required in Article VIII of the Constitution, without recourse to any other ecclesiastical jurisdiction and execute such declaration in the presence of the Bishop and two or more members of the clergy of this Church.

(e) (d) Thereafter the Bishop, being satisfied of the person’s theological qualifications and soundness in the faith, taking into account the facts and circumstances surrounding the person's Priest's removal and release, may permit, with the advice and consent of the Standing Committee, the return of the person into the ordained Ministry of this Church.

(f) No one shall be permitted to return to the ordained Ministry of this Church under this Canon less than 12 months from the date of having most recently become a communicant of this Church unless the Bishop Diocesan and a majority of the members of the Standing Committee conclude that special circumstances exist to merit such return which will benefit the needs of this Church.

(e) The provisions of this Canon III.9.11 shall not be applicable to any Priest who has been removed, released, or deposed from their ministry as the result of any proceeding of Title IV of these Canons.

(g)(f) Notice of the person’s Priest's return to the ordained Ministry of this Church shall be provided in writing to the same persons and entities receiving notice under Canon III.9.11.; and be it further

Resolved, That Canon III.12 be amended to add a new Canon III.12.8, to read as follows, and renumbering the three subsequent sections to be Canon III.12.9, III.12.10, and III.12.11.

Sec. 8. Return to the Ordained Ministry of this Church after Release and Removal

(a) When a Bishop who has been released and removed from the ordained Ministry of this Church under Canon III.12.7 desires to return to that Ministry, the person shall apply in writing to the Presiding Bishop, attaching the following:

(1) Evidence that the person is a confirmed adult communicant in good standing in a Congregation of this Church;

(2) Evidence of previous ordained Ministry in this Church, and other Churches as applicable;

(3) Evidence of a moral and godly character;

(4) Evidence that the person is free from any vows or other engagements inconsistent with the exercise of ordained Ministry in this Church;

(5) A certificate from at least two Bishops in this Church stating that, from personal examination or from satisfactory evidence presented to them, they believe that the departure of the person from the ordained Ministry of this Church and from ordained Ministry of any other Church to which the person has belonged since his or her departure from the ordained Ministry of this Church has not arisen from any circumstance reflecting unfavorably on his or her moral or religious character, or on account of which it may not be expedient to permit the person to return to the ordained Ministry of this Church;

(6) A letter of support from the Bishop of the Diocese in which the person was last canonically resident; and

(7) A statement of the reasons for seeking to return to the ordained Ministry of this Church.

(1) Evidence of previous ordination in The Episcopal Church;

(2) Evidence of appropriate background checks, certifications and proof of completion of applicable trainings including abuse prevention and anti-racism trainings;

(3) A statement from no less than two Bishops known to the applicant in support of the application;

(4) A statement of the reasons for seeking to return to the ordained Ministry of this Church.

(b) The Presiding Bishop shall examine the person regarding his or her reasons for departure from the ordained Ministry of this Church, reasons for seeking to return to that Ministry, and any other subject reflecting on that person’s fitness to return to the ordained Ministry of this Church.The Presiding Bishop may, at his or her discretion, invite others to participate in the examination.

(b) If the Presiding Bishop so chooses, the Presiding Bishop may give permission for the Bishop to continue the process toward reinstatement, which may include the following:

(1) Active participation in a congregation for a period of time at the Presiding Bishop’s discretion;

(2) Regular contact with the Presiding Bishop or the Presiding Bishop’s designee during the course of the process;

(3) Evaluation by a licensed mental health professional of the Presiding Bishop’s choosing for the purposes of evaluation and of determining fitness for resumption of ordained ministry in this church;

(4) Two references from those who are able to discuss the Bishop’s former ministry;

(5) Approval of the Presiding Bishop’s Council of Advice

(c) Before the person may be permitted to return to the ordained Ministry of this Church, the Bishop shall require a promise in writing to all things to the Discipline of this Church without recourse to any other ecclesiastical jurisdiction or foreign civil jurisdiction, and shall further require the person to subscribe and make in the present of the Presiding Bishop and two or more Bishops the declaration required in Article VIII of the Constitution.

(c) Before the Bishop may be permitted to return to the ordained Ministry of this Church, the Presiding Bishop shall require the Bishop seeking to return to the ministry to sign a written declaration as required in Article VIII of the Constitution, without recourse to any other ecclesiastical jurisdiction and execute such declaration in the presence of the Presiding Bishop and two or more Bishops of this Church.

(d) Thereafter the Presiding Bishop, being satisfied of the person's theological qualifications and soundness in the faith, taking into account the facts and circumstances surrounding the person's Bishop’s removal and release, may permit, with the advice and consent of the Advisory Council of Advice to the Presiding Bishop, the return of the person Bishop into the ordained Ministry of this Church.

(e) No one shall be permitted to return to the ordained Ministry of this Church under this Canon less than 12 months from the date of having most recently become a communicant of this Church unless the Presiding Bishop and a majority of the members of the Advisory Council to the Presiding Bishop conclude that special circumstances exist to merit such return which will benefit the needs of this Church.

(f) (e) Notice of the person’sBishop's return to the ordained Ministry of this Church shall be provided in writing to the same persons and entities receiving notice under Canon III.12.7(c).

(f) The provisions of this Canon III.12.8 shall not be applicable to any Bishop who has been removed, released, or deposed from their ministry as the result of any proceeding of Title IV of these Canons.

Motion carried

Resolution adopted with amendment

(Communicated to the House of Bishops in HD Message #276)