Regulations
Table of Contents
| Regulation 1 | Services Authorized for Use in the Diocese of Athabasca |
| Regulation 2 | Clergy Interview and Moving Costs |
| Regulation 3 | Resolutions and Reports |
| Regulation 4 | Parish Finances and Stewardship |
| Regulation 5 | Church Property |
| Regulation 6 | Parish Organization |
| Regulation 7 | Use of Alcohol at Church Functions |
| Regulation 8 | Weddings |
| Regulation 9 | Clergy Travel allowance |
| Regulation 10 | Sexual Assault and Harassment Policy for Church Employees and Volunteers |
| Regulation 11 | Appointments Process |
| Regulation 12 | Parish Reviews |
| Regulation 13 | Parish Assessment |
| Regulation 14 | Alterations to Existing Buildings or Construction of New Buildings |
| Regulation 15 | Duties of Wardens |
| Regulation 16 | Diocesan Finances |
Regulation 1
Services Authorized for Use in the Diocese of Athabasca
The bishop is the chief liturgical officer of the diocese. All questions on this matter are to be addressed to him, and his is the final authority. Normally he will authorize only those services which have received the endorsement of General Synod.
The Book of Common Prayer and the Book of Alternative Services are the two official books for worship in the Anglican Church of Canada. The services that are contained in these books are the ones to be used in parishes.
The incumbent, by virtue, of his/her appointment by the bishop, has responsibility for the service of the parish church and is accountable to the bishop for the services conducted.
November, 1994
Regulation 2
Clergy Interview and Moving Costs
a) The parish is responsible for up to $3,500.00 for clergy interview and moving costs per appointment. The diocese covers costs in excess of $3,500.00.
b) Parishes are expected to establish and maintain a clergy interview and moving reserve fund.
March, 1998
Regulation 3
Resolutions and Reports
a. Resolutions with Financial Implications
Any resolution from synod or executive council which carried any financial implication
will be referred to and reviewed by the management committee of the diocese for its
financial viability before implementation.
b. Report to Synod
Reports to synod must be submitted to the synod office at least one month before synod.
c. Report to Diocesan Executive Council
Reports for D.E.C. must be received at least ten (10) working days before the meeting of
D.E.C.
November, 1994
Regulation 4
Parish Finances and Stewardship
a. Stewards for Life Program
Every parish in the diocese is required to covenant with the diocese regarding the
Stewards for Life Program.
b. Christmas Offering
Congregations may provide special envelopes to their members at Christmas time in order
that they may make a Christmas gift to the Rector. Such a practice may be organized
according to local custom. No income tax receipts are issued for these special offerings.
Regular parish envelopes and open offerings at the Christmas services are not included
as part of any gift to the clergy.
c. Loans to Parishes
Any request by a parish for a loan from the diocese will be given consideration first of
all on the individual merit of the request and then, if approved, be granted at an
interest rate of prime plus one percent as determined annually on January 1 by the
Management Committee. That rate once established shall be in effect for the entire term
of the loan.
d. Indirect Methods of Raising Money for Church Purposes
On the basis of the reports from vestries, we as the Diocese of Athabasca recommend to
the parishes that they not raise funds for the support of the church by lotteries, bingo,
and other forms of gambling, and that we emphasize that stewardship programs be sponsored
in each parish, and that the church be supported by the free-will offerings of the people.
March, 1998
Regulation 5
Church Property
a. Proceeds From Sales and Rentals
Rents and sale proceeds from all church property are to remitted to the synod office.
When property has been sold and the funds transmitted to the diocesan office, where
legitimate local needs for assistance with repairs/renovations or new buildings exist,
the management committee may be petitioned to redirect some of the funds to the local
congregation.
b. Annual Inspection
There will be an annual inspection of parish and diocesan buildings, review of insurance,
and recommendations regarding maintenance and repairs requiring immediate attention.
e. Inventory
There will be an ongoing inventory of diocesan and parish property and furnishings kept
with copies being supplied to the synod office, the incumbent (or renter) and the
wardens.
d. Smoke Detectors
Each clergy residence shall be equipped with at least one fire detector on each living
floor.
November, 1994
Regulation 6
Parish Organization
a. Notice of Meetings
The following form shall be used to give notice of congregational meetings (including
the annual meeting):
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a meeting of the Parishioners of the
Anglican Parish of..............................., Alberta, will
be held on the ................... day of................., 20.... A.D.
at............ o'clock (am/pm) in.................... [place) for
the purpose of................................ at which time and
place all members whose names appear on the parish roil, being of
the full age of sixteen 0161 years are entitled to attend and to
vote.
Dated this ................ day of............... 20..... A.D.
............................. (Name of convenor)
..........................
This notice must be posted at least seven (7) days prior to the stated date of the meeting.
November, 1994
Regulation 7
Use of Alcohol at Church Functions
1. No alcohol shall be used in parish hall activities except in strict conformity with government regulations.
2. While it is not recommended that the use of alcohol become a frequent feature of activities held in the parish hall, liquor, wine or bear may be served on an occasional basis. On such occasions the moderate use by all present must be safeguarded. Alternative beverages should always be available without embarrassment for those who cannot or do not wish to consume alcoholic beverages.
3. It is recommended that the use of alcohol by outside organizations using the parish hall not be permitted. However, under exceptional circumstances the discretion of the bishop should be sought.
4. It is recommended that vestry or parish council require all organizations to comply with these guidelines.
November, 1994
Regulation 8
Weddings
a. Canon XXI General Synod
General Synod Canon XXI ON MARRIAGE IN THE CHURCH attached.
b. Civil Requirements re Church Marriage
All clergy are responsible for ensuring that they obtain and follow a current copy of
the provincial Registration of Marriage Act.
November, 1994
Regulation 9
Clergy Travel Allowance
a) Travel for job-related activities within and/or on behalf of the diocese shall be reimbursed at 30 cents per kilometre. Appropriate claims must be submitted.
b) Travel for volunteer activity within and/or on behalf of the diocese shall be reimbursed at 15 cents per kilometre. Appropriate claims must be submitted.
c) Lay readers conducting services will be reimbursed at 30 cents per kilometre.
d) This policy is in effect as of January 1, 1998 and applies to all appointments made on or following that date. Clergy appointed before that date may opt to retain their travel allowance which was in effect on December 31, 1997 for the duration of their current appointment.
e) Clergy who opt to retain their travel allowance will be reimbursed for volunteer travel at the 1997 rate of 13 cents per kilometre.
March, 1998
Regulation 10
Sexual Assault and Harassment Policy for Church Employees and Volunteers
We affirm the belief that every human person is made in the image of the Creator God, is a sexual being and, regardless of age or gender, is entitled to equal dignity, respect and bodily integrity.
We further affirm that children and adolescents and the infirm elderly who are most vulnerable must be afforded the greatest protection.
There is universal agreement that respect, reverence, and mutuality are necessary in all human relationships. This agreement about the fundamentals of human relations, including sexual relations, leads to a firm judgement and condemnation of sexual abuse and exploitation. Sexual abuse is self-gratification by exploitation. It makes an impersonal object of the other person, abusing both the person and sexuality itself. Abuse occurs in a wide range of sexual activities: always in rape and child molestation, usually in adultery and prostitution, and sometimes even in marriage. Sexual abuse also occurs in the socially subtle aspects of sexism and sexual harassment of employees in the workplace. The Church must be clear about these violations of sexual intimacy. It must be explicit in its teaching about these particular aberrations or sexual relations, aggressively proactive about its social policy and action touching on these areas, and forthright in dealing with violations in its own community. - Lambeth Conference 1988
The Diocese of Athabasca undertakes to ensure that all activities, work and pronouncements with which it is engaged uphold the values of love, truth and justice and are demonstrably free from violence, coercion and discrimination because of gender.
It is our policy that sexual assault, sexual harassment, or sexual abuse of any kind, whether to adult, adolescent or child, male or female, by or to any staff person, contract employee or volunteer will not be tolerated.
We will actively try to prevent such occurences and deal with any accusation promptly, seriously and systematically, and where appropriate, in co-operation with the proper authorities. Particularly in relationships of trust where power, authority and confidentiality are a dynamic, the greatest of care will be expected to be exercised to avoid taking advantage of trust, or abusing power and the responsibility of authority.
At all times, an ethic of mutual respect, responsibility and caring, as well as modelling wholeness and healthy sexuality in relationships, will be the goal. We will practice, advocate and educate to that end.
PROCESS
1. The executive archdeacon, the dean, the appropriate regional dean, and the chancellor shall serve as a diocesan response group where duty will be to advise the bishop concerning allegations of inappropriate sexual behaviour. This group may make recommendations about dealing with all aspects surrounding such allegations, including but not limited to recommendations concerning the alleged victim, and the family and friends of the alleged victim, the alleged offender and the family of the alleged offender, the congregation immediately involved, and the clergy of the diocese.
2. When any complaint is made to an official of the church where there is reason to believe there has been abuse of a child, this must be reported immediately to the regional dean, the bishop and the Department of Social Services.
3. When a complaint of sexual abuse by a church employee or volunteer becomes known to any member of the diocese, such complaint should be reported promptly to the bishop. In the event that the complaint is against a member of the diocesan response group that member shall be removed from the group. if the allegation is against the bishop, the complaint shall be reported to the metropolitan who will work with the diocesan response group in resolving the matter.
4. The bishop (or metropolitan) will then consult with the diocesan response group to determine whether more information is needed and what action needs to be taken.
5. If the complaint leads to a criminal charge the diocesan authorities will assist the police in all appropriate ways in their investigation.
6. Unless prohibited by police or court procedures, when allegations come from an adult the bishop will request a written complaint. If requested by the complainant, the diocesan response group or its delegate will meet with the complainant to hear the story. The complainant may have an advocate present at the meeting. The complainant will be assured that it is not necessary to meet the alleged abuser face to face.
7. Unless prohibited by police or court procedures, the diocesan response group will meet with the accused to reveal the written complainant and to hear the accused's response. The accused may have an advocate present at the meeting.
8. If the diocesan response group thinks it is possible that an abuse has occurred the group will then inform the alleged offender that:
a) the alleged offender's innocence will be presumed until proven
otherwise but..
b) the alleged offender will be suspended from ecclesiastical work temporarily (with pay
and without prejudice) until the group's investigation is completed and a decision is
made. The relevant parish or faith community will be informed of this action.
9. The diocesan response group will make recommendations to the bishop. Several options are possible:
a) dismiss the case and report to the complainant;
b) recommend disciplinary action.
10. When an accused person is exonerated, a public statement to this effect will be distributed as widely as possible.
11. If, in the judgement of the diocesan response group, ministerial ethics have been violated, the group will attempt to help the victim obtain appropriate therapeutic services and pastoral care.
12. The diocesan response group will also attempt to help the offender obtain appropriate services and pastoral care.
13. When appropriate, the bishop will inform the parish of the circumstances of the complainant and the subsequent action that has been taken. The bishop will also arrange, if necessary, appropriate means to help the parish and diocesan community deal with the situation.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------
Certificate of Acknowledgement
This is to certify that I, ___________________________, have
read the document entitled Regulation #10 Sexual Assault and
Harassment Policy for Church Employees and Volunteers and agree
to abide by its conditions as long as I am associated in any way
with the Diocese of Athabasca.
____________________________________________ ____________________
Signature
Date
________________________________________
Witness
November, 1994
Regulation 11
Appointments Process
1) The bishop meets with the vestry of the Parish to accomplish the following:
a) form a representative group for consultation;
b) have a parish profile developed;
c) ensure that proper good-byes are in place;
d) inform parish that all candidates are screened by the bishop and only those who
are compatible with both the parish and the diocese will be sent to the parish for
interview. The bishop will only send those for interviews wham he is willing to
appoint;
e) inform parish of the current interview and moving costs policy.
2) The bishop advertises the parish within the Ecclesiastical Provinces of British Columbia and Rupert's Land.
3) All candidates will send their personal curriculum vitae to the bishop with at least two references. Parish profiles are sent only to those who have been reviewed by the bishop.
4) All candidates who have responded to the parish profile and the bishop feels comfortable in appointing will be granted an interview by the team who will make their recommendation to the bishop as to their preference. Note -- (from our experience this means one to three interviews).
5) The bishop announces the appointment as soon as agreements are reached and arrangements are made with the regional dean for service of induction.
March, 1998
Regulation 12
Parish Reviews
(To be developed by BARDS and presented to the Spring 1995meeting of D.E.C.)
November, 1994
Regulation 13
Parish Assessment
Parish assessments are set at 25% of assessed income of the parish.
Assessed income is defined as All parish income with the following exceptions:
1. building, memorial and other recognized special purpose funds;
2. grants received from the diocese;
3. flow through funds for recognized appeals;
4. capital expenditures other than regular maintenance, provided the expenditure is from
regular funds, not special purpose funds which are already exempt.
5. discretionary - negotiated on a case by case basis with the executive archdeacon and
which can be appealed to the management committee.
Assessment work sheets showing the assessed income will be distributed to the parishes no later than April 1. Appeals may be made until June 1.
Assessment is based on the previous year once removed. e.g. 1995 assessment is based on 1993 assessed income.
Assessment should be paid monthly. It must be current on a quarterly basis.
November, 1994
Regulation 14
Alterations to Existing Buildings or Construction of New Buildings
The following procedure shall normally be followed when altering a current building or erecting a new one.
Step #1 Vestry officials meet to discuss proposal with the regional dean who will consult with the executive archdeacon.
Step #2 A congregational meeting is held to obtain approval in principle for the project.
Step #3 A building committee (may be vestry) is established to do research, develop plans and funding strategies. This committee should be in ongoing contract with the archdeacon.
Step #4 A congregational meeting is held to present proposal and receive permission to proceed.
Step #5 Parish council (if there is one) approves project.
Step #6 Regional dean approves project.
Step #7 Project is submitted to the archdeacon for presentation to the management committee for consideration and recommendation to executive council.
November, 1994
Regulation 15
Duties of Wardens
1. Wardens must be active members of the congregation, attending public worship, receiving communion on a regular basis, and living a lifestyle consistent with that expected of a practicing Christian.
2. Wardens, along with the clergy, are responsible for taking a leading role in
ensuring that, to the greatest degree possible, the local parish
- is effectively managed
- provides a high level of spiritual and pastoral care
- pursues the mission of the church.
3. Wardens have diocesan responsibilities including ensuring that the constitution, canons, regulations of the diocese and the bylaws of the parish are adhered to within the parish. The peoples' warden is an ex-officio member of synod and therefore is the communications officer for the parish. The parish rector's warden receives clergy mailings when the parish is without licensed clergy.
4. Wardens serve as advisors and confidants to the rector on a regular basis. They may also on occasion be required to fulfill the same role with the bishop in relationship to the parish.
5. The wardens along with the treasurer are the signing officers for the parish.
6. Parishes may expand upon the responsibilities of wardens in Parish Bylaws.
May, 1995/font
Regulation 16
Diocesan Finances
1. There shall be an annual budget approved by the diocesan executive council.
2. The management committee shall be responsible for developing a draft budget for the consideration of the diocesan executive council.
3. Special Purpose Funds shall be maintained for designated purposes. Expenditure from such funds shall be only for the designated purpose.
4. Non-budgeted expenditures or expenditures which exceed the budgeted amount require the approval of the treasurer. Any seen expenditures In excess of $1,000.00 requires the approval of the management committee. Any in excess of $3,000.00 requires the approval of the D.E.C. All such approvals must be obtained prior to the commitment of funds.
November, 1994