Office of the Bishop

The Office of Bishop oversees the pastoral, administrative, and programmatic oversight for the diocese. This office coordinates all schedules for the Bishop including Sunday and weekly visitations. The topics on the left are in subcategories for easier search.
Rito para la celebración y bendición de una santa unión (Opción 1)
Un rito para la celebración y bendición de una santa unión (Opción 1). Haga clic aquí para la versión en inglés.
Self-Attestation of Childhood Immunizations for Adults
Form to be filled out by employee as proof of childhood immunizations
Attestation of Childhood Immunizations for Adults
Form to be filled out by health care provider for proof of childhood immunizations
Recurso para el clero en transición
Este es un documento de recursos para el proceso de transición del clero. Para apoyar mejor a las congregaciones en transición, la Oficina del Obispo se complace en ofrecer tanto una guía escrita de...
Duties and Responsibilities of Wardens
A short summary of the duties and responsibilities for a senior and junior warden of a chuch. The information is from the Vestry Resource Guide, revised by Nancy Davidge, editor, and Susan Elliott...
Transition Clergy Resource
This is a resource document for the clergy transition process. To better support congregations in transition, the Office of the Bishop is pleased to offer both a written Transition Clergy Resource...
Clergy Wellness Survey 2020
Report on the results of the clergy wellness survey for 2020
Best Practices for a Virtual Annual Meeting
Best practices for conducting a Virtual Annual Meeting due to COVID-19 restrictions
Guidelines for Conducting a Virtual Annual Meeting
Guidelines for Conducting a Virtual Annual Meeting due to COVID-19 restrictions
Clergy Wellness for Lay Leaders
The slide deck for the Clergy Wellness for Lay Leaders: Caring for Your Clergy During Covid Times.
Virtual Attendance Reporting
Dear Clergy Colleagues and Lay Leaders in the Diocese of Olympia, We have all been in conversations about how to record, assess, and track virtual attendance at our worship services during this time...
Immunization Policies for the Diocese of Olympia
In February 2020 the Executive Council of The Episcopal Church (TEC) adopted a Model DFMS (Domestic & Foreign Missionary Society) Vaccination Policy for Youth Events, and encouraged dioceses and...
Diocese of Olympia: Guidelines for Re-Opening - Webinar Slides
Slide deck from the webinar Regathering Considered: Legalities and Practicalities, dealing with the coronavirus and re-opening church buildings. Webinar held on June 10, 2020. Other Resources: Slide...
Stewardship and Giving in a Locked Down World
Slide deck from Bishop Rickel's afternoon April 28, 2020 webinar on stewardship.
The Formation of Generosity in a Locked Down World
Slide deck from Bishop Rickel's morning April 28, 2020 webinar on stewardship.
Officiating Marriage if not Licensed or Resident
Here are the basic steps for approval if you wish to officiate at a wedding in the Diocese of Olympia and are not licensed or canonically resident. Requests should be made at least 60 days prior to...
Liturgical Resources for Marriage
This is the document for liturgical resources for marriage that was presented to the 79th General Convention in 2018. It includes liturgies, guidelines, and recommendations for use in same-sex wedding...
The Annual Report for Deacons
To: The Most Reverend Melissa Skelton, Bishop Provisional In accordance with the national canons: Canon III, 7b states: “Deacons shall report annually to the Bishop or the Bishop’s designee on their...
Pastoral Letter from Bishop Rickel on Suspension of Statute of Limitations for Clergy Sexual Misconduct
Issued January 2, 2019 A printable PDF version of Bishop Rickel's Pastoral Letter on the Suspension of the Statute of Limitations for Clergy Sexual Misconduct. The letter can be accessed in English...
Diocesan Cycle of Prayer
The Diocesan Cycle of Prayer included here is structured to include all congregations, clergy and staff, the ministries and committees of the Diocese of Olympia. It is updated annually. A PDF of the...
Diocese of Olympia Guidelines for Firearms in Churches - Staff and Volunteer
The following are guidelines regarding the carrying of concealed firearms by staff and volunteers on Church property while an individual is acting as a volunteer or staff person for the Church.
Diocese of Olympia Concealed Firearms Guideline - Public and Congregation
The following are guidelines regarding the carrying of concealed firearms by members of the public and the congregation on Church property.
Visitation Documents
The following documents are available for preparation of a Bishop's Visitation in the Diocese of Olympia. Please note that the Planning Form, Readings, and Letters should be sent to the Office of the...
Border and Immigration Newsletter, March 4, 2017
A newsletter for border and immigration resources. In addition, the following two Facebook groups offer other ways to connect: " Cruzando Fronteras, AZ " " Migration Spirituality "
Bishop's Visitation Checklist
A checklist of items necessary for a successful Visitation by the Bishop.
Video Resources Regarding Immigration and Sanctuary Issues
These are a series of four videos created by Canticle Communications for the Diocese of Washington. The speaker is Laura Stump Kennedy, a member of that diocese who used to be a paralegal with...
Washington Immigration Rapid Response Form
The following plan outlines needs that community members may have during and following a large-scale immigration raid (such as a workplace raid by immigration agents) and identifies people or entities...
Notes for Rapid Responders
Notes from meeting on Northwest Immigrant Rights Project
Lobbying Rules for Churches
This document describes the lobbying rules for churches. There are two parts, the first which provides the legal information and the second which has FAQs pertaining to this.
Bishop Visitation Planning Form
This form is to be used as the planning form for an upcoming bishop's visitation. The document below can be used if need be. It must be downloaded, completed, and returned to the Office of the Bishop...
Supply Clergy Roster
Current List of Supply Clergy. See PDF Roster linked below. If you are a canonically resident or licensed clergy who is available for supply, and is not currently on the list, please submit this form...
Annual Report for Licensed Clergy
Annual report for accounting of diaconal/priestly activity during a calendar year can be found HERE .
Diocesan Policies for the Protection of Children and Youth from Abuse
Policies for those working with children or youth
Policy Regarding Counseling Centers Connected to Congregations
Guidelines for counseling centers connected to congregations.
The Process of Determining Financial Sustainability
In an effort to help existing congregations think about and plan for financial stability and sustainability, here are some questions for congregational leaders to ask during their long-range planning...
Office of the Bishop Organizational Chart
Staff organizational chart for the office of the bishop. Updated January 2023
Procedures for Counting and Handling Money
Many Vestries and Bishop's Committees ask for help on procedures for counting and handling money that protects the congregation, its leadership and finance ministry persons when it comes to handling...
Preamble for Vestry/BC Notebook Sample Document
The roles of the rector and the vestry.
Congregational Bylaws Sample Document
This is a sample document to assist congregations in reviewing and/or establishing bylaws. The congregation's chancellor should be consulted as part of the process of amending or establishing bylaws.
The Vestry/BC Declaration
This is a document that may be used after the election of the new members of the Vestry or Bishop's Committee as new members are commissioned to serve in their elected position. It is generally signed...
Vestry/Bishop's Committee Covenant
This document is a sample of a Vestry/BC Covenant signed by all members of the Vestry or Bishop's Committee at the first meeting after election of new members to the Vestry/BC. It establishes the...
Suggested Policies and Procedures List for Congregations
A suggested list of the types of policies and procedures that a vestry might have or want to have for their congregations.
Lambeth - African Ubuntu Bible Study Method
Ubuntu Bible study method
Vestry/BC Person of the Month Sunday Duties Sample Checklist
A checklist for duties of the vestry or Bishop's Committee person of the month
Vestry/BC Person of the Month Sample Schedule
Monthly schedule sample for Vestries and Bishop's Committees
Congregational Mission and Vision Statement Sample
A sample for a mission and vision statement.
Core Passions Worksheet for Congregation Small Groups
Worksheet for discerning a congregations God-given Core Passions
St. Francis Day BCE Liturgy Resources
These prayers have been collected for use primarily at church services on the Feast of St. Francis, usually the first Sunday in October, when many churches include a Blessing of the Animals. They are...
Confirmand Letter Ideas
Description and Ideas for the Letter to the Bishops During Bishop visitations, we quite often have the great honor and privilege of Confirming, Receiving, and presiding over the Reaffirmation of...
Remarriage Petitions
ALL REMARRIAGE PETITIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE OFFICE OF THE BISHOP AT LEAST 60 DAYS PRIOR TO THE PROPOSED WEDDING DATE. Remarriage petitions should be written by the presiding priest, not the...
Marriage Celebration Agreement
Marriage Celebration Agreement, provided by the Rev. Kathleen Kingslight
The Celebration and Blessing of a Covenant Relationship (Option 2)
The Celebration and Blessing of a Covenant Relationship (Option 2)
Rite for the Celebration and Blessing of a Holy Union (Option 1)
A Rite for the Celebration and Blessing of a Holy Union (Option 1) Click here for the Spanish version.
I Will Bless You and You Will Be a Blessing
I Will Bless You, formerly known as A049 as passed at General Convention 2012
Diocese of Olympia Policy on Same Sex Blessings, January 2013
Policy on Same Sex Blessings in the Diocese of Olympia
Bishop Rickel's Pastoral Letter on Same Sex Blessings, January 2013
Bishop's January 18, 2013 pastoral letter on same sex blessings
Eucharistic Visitor Policy
Diocesan policy on Eucharistic Visitors, also known as the Two by Two visitation policy.
Alcoholic Beverage Guidelines
Statement approved by the 1985 General Convention and the current policy for alcohol and alcoholic beverages at church functions in effect for the Diocese of Olympia.
To Teach All Nations - Letter from Bishop Rickel
Letter from Bishop Rickel concerning Episcopal school standards for the diocese.
To Teach All Nations - Manual
Manual for responding to school standards
Clergy Discretionary Funds
Policy on clergy discretionary accounts from the “Manual of Business Methods in Churches”. This is the policy that fits the national canon.
Diocesan Pastoral Care Polices and Procedures Guidelines
Suggested Diocesan Pastoral Care Polices and Procedures Guidelines
Worship Leader Application & Renewal
Worship Leader is a lay person who regularly leads public worship under the direction of the clergy or other leader. Most commonly this leadership is for the Daily Office, but may include other...
Preacher's License Renewal
Preacher is a lay person authorized to preach within that congregation or in another parish by invitation of the priest in charge. Training occurs in the congregation and perhaps through other...
Preacher's License Application
Preacher is a lay person authorized to preach within that congregation or in another parish by invitation of the priest in charge. Training occurs in the congregation and perhaps through other...
Eucharistic Visitor Application & Renewal
Eucharistic Visitor is a lay person authorized to take the Consecrated Elements following a Celebration of Holy Eucharist to members of the congregation who, by reason of illness or infirmity, were...
Eucharistic Minister Application & Renewal
Eucharistic Minister is a lay person authorized to administer the Consecrated Elements at a Celebration of Holy Eucharist. Eucharistic Ministers may serve the wine and/or bread, as determined by the...
Customary for Deacons
A document addressing the function and role of the deacon in the Eucharist and various other special liturgies.
Annual Report for Non-Parochial and Retired Clergy
Report for retired and non parochial clergy listing services that have officiating at during the year
Bishop's Visitation Record Form
Bishop's Visitation Form for Confirmands and Receptions. This will be sent by the Office of the Bishop to the churches after a visit by the bishop. If it is not received shortly after the visitation...
Total Common Ministry Curriculum
Document by Irene Martin on history and curriculum of Total Common Ministry
Letter of Agreement - Deacon
A sample letter of agreement between a deacon, the bishop and the assigned church.
Church Insurance Agency Corporation and Pastoral Counseling
A list of recommendations and clarifications by The Church Insurance Agency Corporation (CIAC) in regards to pastoral counseling. Updated June, 2009.
Parish Admission Process
These guidelines are for use by the requesting mission and the reviewing committee appointed by the Office of the Bishop
Guidelines and Procedures in Cases of Sexual Abuse and Sexual Misconduct
This document is to outline the process and procedures that are put into place when a complaint of sexual misconduct is made against a clergy person of the Diocese of Olympia.
Mileage Reimbursement Rates
2022 Mileage Reimbursement Rates The IRS reimbursement rate for business miles is 58.5 cents/mile The IRS reimbursement rate for volunteer miles remains at 14 cents/mile
Tool Kit for Conversation on Clergy Compensation
A document on how to discuss clergy compensation with the vestry or bishop's committee and wardens.
Mutual Ministry Agreements and Reviews: MMA and MMR
Mutual ministry agreements between the vestry/BC and clergy regarding roles and responsibilities.
Congregational Gift Acceptance Policy Sample
Gifts can come in a variety of forms to congregations. It is good to have a set of policies in place to guide decisions on accepting certain gifts that may be out of the norm. A gift acceptance policy...
Mission Insite Registration
Mission Insite provides instant access to community information for your church via The MI System. Mission Insite provides desktop, web-based access to demographic data for a variety of geographic...
Clergy Manual
Also known as the Clergy Handbook, Manual for Clergy in the Diocese, revised March, 2021.
Bishop's Rules for Respect
Bishop Rickel's 10 Rules for Respect.
Visitation Customary
The visitation customary is designed to help plan for the visit of the Bishops.
Expectations for Ordained Leaders in the Diocese of Olympia
Expectations for clergy who serve or wish to serve in the Diocese of Olympia, Updated May, 2012.
Clergy Personnel Policy Manual
This manual is not online. For further information or questions, please contact the Canon to the Ordinary .
Clergy Content Regarding Church Property
This is a checklist for clergy with regards to appropriate use of church property.
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