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.

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.

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

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.

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.