Policy Number: 8
Title: Sabbatical
Leave
Date
Approved by Diocesan Council:
March 14, 2003
1. Sabbatical leave is for the purpose of encouraging professional growth and increased competence of the clergy which will contribute to the work of the Church in the Diocese. Leaves may be granted for regular study at any academic level in a university or seminary, for research in a specific area of the Church's life or other creative work that will benefit the Church.
2. Any clergy person canonically and physically resident in the Diocese who is actively exercising ministry, whether in a parish, mission, diocesan institution, or otherwise in the employ of the diocese, shall be eligible.
3. Sabbatical leave is accrued at the rate of two (2) weeks per year, to be available after the third year, and cumulative through the sixth year. It is expected that the clergy person will remain in their current position for at least one year following a sabbatical. Sabbatical arrangements shall be made in full consultation with the Vestry in the case of Rectors, the Mission Council or Bishop’s Committee and Bishop in the case of mission clergy, the Bishop in the case of Diocesan Staff, and the Diocesan Council in the case of the Bishop. This is to ensure benefits for the Church as well as for the clergy person.
4. At the end of the sabbatical, the clergy person shall make a report in writing summarizing his or her activities during the leave and the extent of success in completing the sabbatical’s objectives as originally proposed.
5. Salary, housing allowance and benefits less travel expenses shall continue to be paid during the sabbatical.
6. In the case of a leave granted to a priest in the parochial ministry it will be the obligation of the Vestry or Bishop's Committee to arrange for adequate supply during the sabbatical, utilizing non-parochial clergy as well as trained lay-readers. "Adequate supply" shall mean the kind that the parish or mission might arrange for itself during regular vacation periods or during interim periods between clergy, and shall normally include only provision for regular Sunday services and for emergency situations, such as funerals.