Donald B. Hill's lament over treatment of church musicians [TLC, Oct. 24] describes a serious weakness in the underpinnings of our parishes and most other Episcopal Church institutions - a ministry structure employing some 12,000 to 15,000 non-clergy individuals, in addition to its 8,000 active clergy. The points he raises accurately make the case not just for musicians, but also for educators, administrators, maintenance staff, and those engaged in numerous other vocations essential to vitality of our church.

We Episcopalians share a vestigial 19th-century culture that assigns ministry to the clergy and volunteer support roles to all others. Called by the Holy Spirit to earn their living in service to the church and in ministry to God's children, lay professionals are constantly beset with resentment that they actually insist on being paid. A typical vestry will never refuse the full rate for utility services, insurance, or an emergency plumbing repair. Reluctantly, they comply with diocesan standards for clergy compensation and perquisites. Yet they often won't even listen to arguments suggesting living wage, adequate benefits, or (God forbid) employment contracts for non-clergy "hired hands."

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America [ELCA], with which we are about to share full communion, recognizes three "rostered lay ministries" on a par with ordained ministries. Rostered lay ministers are equivalent to our lay professionals requiring a degree and to our vocational deacons. These persons are officially called and commissioned with synodical approval for ministry not requiring sacerdotal duties.

Episcopalians would do well to study and emulate the employment practices of the ELCA. We must remember that the degree of concern we show for those we employ expresses the degree of concern we wish them to show others. A church that seeks to be vibrant and attractive cannot afford a penny-wise policy that sours the face we display to the world.

Frank S. Virden

Gulf Shores, Ala.