Compensation plan for diocesan priests is changing

All clergy are paid by the parish in accordance with guidelines set out by the Diocese though Diocesan Council. In the past year a fundamental change has been happening-largely in the "background". The Human Resources Task Force, aided by Synod staff, examined and revised the way we go about all of this.

First came a review of clergy housing and housing allowances. Since only a dozen rectories are still in use by clergy, the question was: Are clergy receiving appropriate housing allowances? The study found that in about a third of parishes we were underpaying clergy for 'housing in lieu of rectory'.

The study, using Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) data for 23 communities within the diocese, found that the range for "fair rental housing" for what clergy are entitled to according to Diocesan policy (three bedrooms and a study)varied depending on the community from $17,250 to $28,750 per year. Those guidelines have been slightly revised for the coming year in concert with what has been happening in rental housing.

Historically clergy have been paid a stipend, frequently set out as minimum stipend. We are changing this so that clergy compensation will look much more like other professionals.

The 'new' approach takes into consideration factors such as: incumbent or assistant, ordained experience, prior relevant lay experience, education, congregation size, specialized ministries, and performance. When all of these factors are considered we now provide a guideline range for salary, not a minimum based solely on "years since ordination".

The goal is to provide fair and equitable compensation to those who have committed their lives and families to serving God as ordained clergy. We are making progress as we embark on the second year of a three-year transition. Your treasurer and clergy have the information for 2009. All clergy are encouraged to look at this new plan.

I hope that by 2010, with a few exceptions, all clergy will be on this new plan. Meanwhile we have the challenge of ensuring that regardless which of plan is chosen, the outcome is essentially the same dollars.