What is Exempt Standing for Clergy with Ordained Ministerial Standing?
The Manual on Ministry (via this link, pg. 56-57) which gives us a working definition of “exempt standing”:
- Minister covenants to no longer perform ANY acts of public ministry (includes weddings, funerals, pulpit supply, pastoral care, serving on Conference or Association Committees, etc)
- Minister is no longer required to do boundary training or continuing education
- Ministers DO continue to embody the UCC Ministerial Code and are obligated to processes of oversight.
- Ministers will continue to complete Annual Information Reviews
- The following understandings undergird our response to applications from ordained clergy who apply for “exempt standing”: retirement is a tender, vulnerable time of major personal transition that includes benefits, losses, and significant life changes- some welcome, some not
- Retirement is an occasion for extending appreciation from RMC to our ordained clergy
- Retirement is an occasion for COM to encourage/promote the support of informed, spiritual discernment to clergy in transition.
- The local church minister (or other trusted pastoral/spiritual counselor) is best suited to provide prayerful discernment in times of transition, including retirement
Process for Obtaining Exempt Standing
When an ordained minister chooses “exempt standing,” they complete the application (found via this link)or request one from our Registrar (by emailing post-auth-reg@rmcucc.org). Once received, the Registrar assures the integrity of the administrative requirements and forwards the application for “exempt standing” to COM for approval/vote. There is usually no reason for an application for “exempt standing” to be denied. There are multiple, complex, and diverse reasons that ordained ministers apply for “exempt standing.” Among those: physical, cognitive decline or incapacity; a disinclination or inability to meet the requirements of “active ministry” in retirement (again, please consult the Manual on Ministry via this link, specifically pages 56-57). COM will presume grace in all circumstances, honoring all who have served as ordained ministers.
As we build a common understanding of the procedures and purposes of “exempt standing,” COM is determined to listen, learn, and determine together. We request grace; we will initiate and respond to requests for conversations with individuals and constituent groups (like Associations, Communities of Practice or retired clergy gatherings for instance) throughout our Conference to address the work we take up on your behalf.
Questions? Contact the COM’s current Retired Clergy Liaison, Rev. Lee Zortman lzortman12@aol.com
