Clergy Disciplinary ProcessThe Canons of the General Convention of the Episcopal Church, Title IV make clergy discipline first and foremost a process of discernment, mediation and pastoral response rather than one that is legalistic and judicial. The process models those used in the medical, legal and social work professions. Canon 1 of Title IV sets the theological context for the process: “By virtue of Baptism, all members of the Church are called to holiness of life and accountability to one another. The Church and each Diocese shall support their members in their life in Christ and seek to resolve conflicts by promoting healing, repentance, forgiveness, restitution, justice, amendment of life, and reconciliation among all involved or affected. This Title applies to Members of the Clergy, who have by their vows at ordination accepted additional responsibilities and accountability for doctrine, discipline, worship and obedience.”
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Title V WebsiteThe Episcopal Church has developed an interactive website to help Episcopalians navigate the church’s Title IV clergy disciplinary process. titleiv.org.
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Process Overview
Previously, clergy disciplinary matters were brought to the Bishop or the Standing Committee of the diocese. Effective July 1, 2011, all such matters will be reported to an Intake Officer (contact information below). Matters might be resolved through pastoral care, mediation, an agreement with the bishop, an investigation or any combination. An investigation may result in formal mediation, and, if necessary, a hearing. The process allows for resolution through whatever means will move those affected toward justice, restitution, amendment of life, repentance, healing, forgiveness and reconciliation. This can include a variety of interventions for all involved and, if necessary, the suspension or removal of the cleric from ordained ministry. The Title IV canons are in the Constitution & Canons of The Episcopal Church starting on page 131.
An Overview of the Standards of Conduct
Title IV lists Standards of Conduct beginning on page 135 of the Constitution & Canons of The Episcopal Church.
Members of the clergy should:
Members of the clergy should:
- Maintain confidentiality
- Safeguard property and funds of the church
- Conform to the canons of the Episcopal Church and the rubrics of The Book of Common Prayer
- Abide by ordination vows
- Obtain consent of the bishop before engaging in secular employment
- Obtain consent of the bishop to be absent from the diocese for more than two years
- Engage in sexual misconduct (includes sexual behavior with:a member of the congregation; employee; volunteer; person in high school; person under 18 years of age; person legally incompetent; someone with whom the clergy has ever had a pastoral relationship)
- Hold or teach any doctrine contrary to that held by the Episcopal Church;
- Commit criminal acts
- Engage in dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation
- Habitually neglect public worship, Holy Communion
- Engage in any conduct unbecoming a member of the clergy
Contacting the Intake Officer
The Intake Officer for the Diocese of Fond du Lac is the Rev. Ralph Osborne. Contact by phone at (920) 725-5601 or email at intakeofficer@diofdl.org.
The intake officer will:
The intake officer will:
- Listen with respect
- Offer pastoral care and response
- Create a written report regarding the concern(s) presented
- Answer questions about the process
- Please note: Members of the clergy are required to report to the intake officer anything that may constitute an offense and to cooperate with the clergy disciplinary process.