Diocesan Policy Manual

This Diocesan Policy Manual serves as a reference document for the diocese. It contains policies and guidelines that the Bishop endorses. This manual is intended to supplement and complement the annual Journal of the Diocese of Kentucky, which includes the Diocesan Canons.

The manual was initially adopted by Bishop, Trustees & Council on June 5, 2007. It was substantially revised in 2013 in an effort to make it user friendly. This revised version was adopted by Bishop, Trustees & Council at its meeting on August 29, 2013 and posted on the Diocesan website on September 12, 2013. We expect that the manual will be most conveniently used on the website and will be revised there by Bishop, Trustees & Council periodically. Amendments and changes will be dated and web-posted so that each viewer can be assured that they are using the latest data available.

We trust that this manual will provide significant guidance to each congregation in their life and ministry within our diocese. Since we perceive this to be a living document, we encourage you to comment on what has been prepared and to suggest changes that will assist you and others in the conduct of parish ministry.

The Diocesan Policy Manual

1. General Information
2. The Clergy (presbyters and deacons)
3. The Laity
4. The Diocese
5. Parishes & Missions
6. Finance & Business Methods
7. Communications
8. Miscellaneous Policies/Guidelines

Appendices

1. Compensation for Part-Time Clergy
2. Sample Letters of Agreement
1. Rector
2. Priest-in-Charge/Interim
3. Requirements for Transfer of Canonical Residence and Application for Canonical Residence Transfer 
4. Guidelines for Supply Clergy 
5. Sexual Harassment and Exploitation Prevention Policy and Procedure Manual & Notice of Concern 
6. Application for Licensing of Eucharistic Ministers and Eucharistic Visitors 
7. Process for Holy Orders
1. Priesthood 
2. Diaconate 
8. Application to the Bishop for the Consent to Solemnize a Marriage after Divorce or Annulment 
9. Code of Conduct for Protection of Children and Youth 
10. Community Covenant 
11. Social Media Best Practices 
12. Parochial Report Page 5 
13. Request for Bishop Visitation 
14. Report of Newly Baptized, Confirmed, and Received 
15. Diocesan Audit Program 
16. Parish Insurance Coverage 
17. Gift Acceptance Policy 
18. Records Management 
19. Alcohol Usage at Church Functions 
20. Action Plan for Sex Offenders within Congregations