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 recursos para el clero en transición como recursos en video. Para ver la traducción al español, haga clic en el botón de subtítulos en el video:

• Así que usted está en transición: una orientación para la Junta Parroquial / Comité de Obispos
• Así que usted está en el comité de perfiles: una orientación para los comités de perfiles en la Diócesis de Olympia
• Así que usted está en el comité de búsqueda: una orientación para los comités de búsqueda de rectores / vicarios en la Diócesis de Olympia
• Bienvenido a la Diócesis de Olympia: una orientación para el clero nuevo en la Diócesis de Olympia

Estos videos, presentados por el obispo Rickel, ofrecen ideas y orientación sobre cómo aprovechar el tiempo de transición para ayudar a su congregación a llamar a un compañero en el ministerio mutuo, crecer espiritualmente y desarrollarse como líderes cristianos.

El documento de recursos enumerado contiene áreas que están cubiertas, que incluyen:

• transiciones
• clero
• Carta de acuerdo
• Carta de separación
• Provisional
• Comité de Perfiles
• Comité de búsqueda

Haga clic aquí para la versión en inglés.

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, writer —A Project of The Episcopal Church Foundation (www.episcopalfoundation.org)

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 guide and Video Resources:

• So You’re In Transition: An Orientation for Vestry/Bishop’s Committee
• So You’re on the Profile Committee: An Orientation for Profile Committees in the Diocese of Olympia
• So You’re on the Search Committee: An Orientation for Rector/Vicar Search Committees in the Diocese of Olympia
• Welcome to the Diocese of Olympia: An Orientation for Clergy New to the Diocese of Olympia

These videos, hosted by Bishop Rickel, offer ideas and guidance about how to make use of transition time to help your congregation call a companion in mutual ministry, grow spiritually, and develop as Christian leaders.

The resource document listed contains areas that are covered including:

• transitions
• clergy
• Letter of Agreement
• Letter of Separation
• Interim
• Profile Committee
• Search Committee

Click here for the Spanish version.

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 five years.

Please note that only the Rector/Vicar/Priest-in-Charge, Administrator, or Sr. Warden may initiate the request. The Oxford background check for clergy typically cost $155, but this may vary. Your congregation will be responsible for reimbursing the Diocese of Olympia for the full cost of the background check. A copy of the invoice will be forwarded to you.

The Oxford background check may take 2-6 weeks to complete. Upon completion, the congregation/requester will receive a letter from our office verifying the results of the background check. The individual on whom the background check was performed may also provide a copy of the report to the congregation themselves.

Contact exec-asst@ecww.org with questions.

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 and Spanish.

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 providers offer Criminal Background Checks, in addition to optional screenings such as Credit, Driving Records, etc: we recommend First Advantage, GoodHire, and Intellicorp. First Advantage offers one-time background check options without a subscription or setup fee if you do not anticipate needing many checks run: https://fadv.com/solutions/small-business-background-checks/ and Select Small Business > Basic Screening > Applicant Submission.

Please go to the following site to generate a current list of supply clergy -> Supply Clergy Roster - The Episcopal Diocese of Olympia

Annual report for accounting of diaconal/priestly activity during a calendar year can be found HERE.

Guidelines for counseling centers connected to congregations.

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 meetings.

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 money.  A strong set of guidelines with transparent accountability is good stewardship and will make everyone more comfortable. 

This set of procedures for counting and handling money was developed by an accounting and a congregational auditing team.

The roles of the rector and the vestry.

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.

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 after the election and just before the commissioning as part of the commissioning.

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 norms of interaction between the members of the Vestry/BC and its work as a leadership and governing body of the congregation.

A suggested list of the types of policies and procedures that a vestry might have or want to have for their congregations.

Ubuntu Bible study method

A checklist for duties of the vestry or Bishop's Committee person of the month

Monthly schedule sample for Vestries and Bishop's Committees

A sample for a mission and vision statement.

Worksheet for discerning a congregations God-given Core Passions

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.

Letter from Bishop Rickel concerning Episcopal school standards for the diocese.

Manual for responding to school standards

Policy on clergy discretionary accounts from the “Manual of Business Methods in Churches”.  This is the policy that fits the national canon.

Report for retired and non parochial clergy listing services that have officiating at during the year

A list of recommendations and clarifications by The Church Insurance Agency Corporation (CIAC) in regards to pastoral counseling.  Updated June, 2009.

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.

A document on how to discuss clergy compensation with the vestry or bishop's committee and wardens.

Mutual ministry agreements between the vestry/BC and clergy regarding roles and responsibilities.

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 can help a governing body when it has to refuse acceptance of a gift that either does not fit the needs of the congregation or would create a financial or legal liability. Many gifts of this nature might be able to be converted to cash before transfer of ownership to the congregation allowing for the intention of the gift to be met in supporting the church's mission.

This resource will help your congregation establish a Gift Acceptance Policy.

Also known as the Clergy Handbook, Manual for Clergy in the Diocese, revised March, 2021.