Canon to the Ordinary

The Canon to the Ordinary works with clergy in transition and oversees the transition processes with congregations. The Canon manages the Commission and Committees related to congregation grant processes, development and strategy. The Canon coordinates the Training and Consulting Services team who provide leadership development and facilitation as well as coordinating the Leadership Skills Institute.  This department also provides resources for Letters of Mutual Ministry and ministry review and manages the background checks for clergy and diocesan lay professional employees and works with diocesan case manager with issues of misconduct and its prevention.
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 Background Checks
Please submit THIS FORM to request to have an Oxford Document Management Company, Inc. background check performed on clergy of your congregation. An updated background check should be conducted every...
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...
Lay Employee Background Checks
Background checks are required for paid employees and those who work regularly with youth or children at congregations. An updated background check should be conducted every five years. A number of...
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.
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...
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
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.
Annual Report for Non-Parochial and Retired Clergy
Report for retired and non parochial clergy listing services that have officiating at during the year
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.
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.
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...
Clergy Manual
Also known as the Clergy Handbook, Manual for Clergy in the Diocese, revised March, 2021.
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.
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