5.2.1 A compensation policy for full time
stipendiary clergy in the diocese was established by convention in 1983, revised in 1985,
and again in January 1991. The objectives of the policy are to provide guidance to the
congregations and clergy to establish fair and appropriate compensation throughout the
diocese using criteria which recognizes differences in the complexities of the job of a
priest in charge in both small and large congregations, and the norms of the Episcopal
Church. The policy provides for annual mutual ministry review, covenants of ministry
setting forth expectations of both clergy and congregation, and a method of placing
congregations in ranges of administrative complexity.
The policy requires that a cash stipend be provided by the congregation
in an amount equal to or greater than that listed in the Stipend, Housing, Utilities (SHU)
Range Structure authorized by convention and updated annually by the diocesan Personnel
Committee. SHU for part-time clergy shall be calculated by applying their full-time
equivalent (FTE) to the amount scheduled for the position based on the range and years of
experience in the equivalent range. The nine ranges address a minimum for the transitional
diaconate, six types of congregations, and compensation levels for a Suffragan Bishop (if
there is one) and the Diocesan Bishop. The ranges are calculated from data contained in
the parochial reports received by March 1 of each year using the following formula:
25% of the average attendance at Sunday services.
25% of the number of pledging units.
50% of the sum of items #10, #11, subtotal E, #16 and #17 divided by
1000.
. [(#10+#11+stE+#16+#17)÷2]
1000
(NOTE: SHU administrative practices are described in Appendix 8.3.5, together with a table for the current year SHU range
structure. Congregation ranges based on the most recent parochial reports are listed in Appendix 8.3.6.)
5.2.2 Housing and utilities are provided by the congregation in one
of two ways:
provide a house and directly pay for utilities, maintenance, repairs,
mutually agreed improvements and telephone (except for personal and long distance
charges); or
provide a housing allowance in an amount not less than that assumed in
SHU administrative rule 2 in Section 5.2.1 above.
5.2.3 Pension premiums for stipendiary clergy are paid by the
congregation. Mission treasurers forward funds monthly to the diocese for payment to the
Church Pension Fund. Parish treasurers send their monthly payment directly to the Pension
Fund.
5.2.4 Health Care, the premiums for medical and dental
insurance, for stipendiary clergy assigned to parishes and missions, whether full or part
time (20 hours per week minimum), and their eligible dependents, shall be paid by the
parish or mission. Premiums for non-parochial stipendiary clergy, diocesan staff and
campus ministers are paid through the diocesan Program and Budget.
5.2.5 Group Life Insurance is provided for all diocesan clergy
employed half-time or more. Beneficiaries of this policy are determined by the clergy, and
premiums are paid by the congregations for their clergy and the diocesan budget for staff
clergy. There are additional death benefits provided by the Church Pension Fund. Worker's
Compensation Insurance premiums are paid by the congregation.
5.2.6 Automobile transportation is provided by the congregation
in one of three ways:
Provide an automobile including insurance, maintenance and work-related
operating expense.
Provide a monthly automobile allowance sufficient to pay for appropriate
insurance, depreciation, maintenance and operating expense which is work-related.
A mileage allowance no less than the established diocesan mileage
standard (which is normally that rate recognized by the IRS for income tax expense
deduction purposes)
5.2.7 Professional expenses such as subscriptions to
professional journals, dues for memberships in professional organizations, an
entertainment allowance, etc. are subjects for mutual agreement.
5.2.8 A Continuing Education allowance is provided by the
Congregation. The current minimum allowance is listed with the SHU schedule in Appendix
8.3.5. Clergy are also entitled to up to two weeks of continuing education leave each year
that is not charged as annual leave.
5.2.9 A Discretionary Fund is provided monthly for the pastoral
use of the clergy. The Fund may be established either by assigning the undesignated
offering one Sunday a month for that purpose, or by line item in the congregation's budget