One way our church encourages discipleship is through learning. Indeed, as Christians we have a desire to learn about our church, our faith, and how to follow Jesus.
For our clergy, with learning, there is an expectation they will lead by example. To this end, clergy can apply for a one-week study leave.
Additionally, there is a Continuing Education Plan administered by the Anglican Church of Canada’s Pension Fund and its 11 employees.
This plan gives members the opportunity to receive funds for courses, books, and electronic devices, to further their learning. The fund also gives grants for retraining and Sabbaticals.
Members include stipendiary clergy, non-stipendiary clergy, and lay employees. A committee will oversee the application. Furthermore, bishops monitor the plan, ensuring clergy are accessing its benefits, and give approval for grant applications.
The rules regulating the plan are found under canon 9.
There are various challenges to running the plan. First, while the plan covers 75 per cent, the applicant needs to pay for the rest. Second, there is geographical disparity.
In other words, if the applicant intends to use the benefit for travel expenses, the dollar amount goes further if you live closer to transportation hubs. Special grants may mitigate this.
Another problem is confusion over the purpose. The fund will cover study expenses, but not wellness. As Christians this creates ambiguity.
For example, would a week-long retreat qualify? The applicant may feel the pressure to change the nature of the retreat to sound like a study leave.
Another issue is that applicants favour personal electronic devices over education. Indeed, applicants sometimes apply to the fund year after to year for a new electronic device.
This raises the questions: are the funds best spent on multiple electronic devices or courses? To reduce superfluous spending, applicants will need to justify the purpose of the device.
A last topic is whether clergy are taking sabbaticals. After five years, clergy can receive funds for a two-month sabbatical. However, not everyone makes this investment.
The point in the plan isn’t to separate clergy from lay people. Rather it is to invest in the mission of the church. In using the benefits efficiently and appropriately, a right relationship can be nurtured between all church members.
Congregations finance this program through tithing and other offerings, via apportionment. The diocese then contributes $900 per annum for each member — so funds will accrue.
The Continuing Education Plan is also a registered charity, so churchmen and women can make direct donations. As a charity, the plan is accountable to the Canada Revenue Agency.
Between the church canon and maintaining charitable status, there is a high degree of accountability.
Congregations and church members fund the program, but their job doesn’t end there. On the contrary, church members can encourage clergy, and even express interest. Hopefully, learning will remain close to our hearts and draw us closer to Christ.
