All people in the diocese who engage in pastoral relationships must complete Safe Church training every three years online and submit to a background check every three years. Each congregation should have a Safe Church administrator.

The diocesan minimum compensation for supply clergy is $200 for officiating at one or more services on a Sunday, $250 for weddings, and $200 for funerals, plus travel at the IRS allowable rate and expenses.

The church strives always to provide a safe, welcoming and nourishing environment for all people, especially remaining sensitive to those who may be in recovery. The following policies shall remain in effect at all diocesan events.

Updated Nov. 2023. The diocesan canons require that an annual audit of parishes, missions and other institutions of the diocese be submitted to the Office of the Bishop. The canonical deadline for filing the examination report with the Office of the Bishop is Sept. 1.

The canons of the Episcopal Church provide for the receiving of money into a discretionary fund and their expenditures for charitable work. Provided here are the relevant canon, the policy of the church contained in the Manual of Business Methods, and some comments.

All bank and investment accounts are to use the church or organization’s federal tax identification number. These accounts are to be listed in the name of the church or organization, and never in the name of the clergy person.

The diocese has made its own personnel policy available as an editable document for churches to use as a template for their own policies. It includes the hiring process, background checks, job descriptions, and equal employment opportunity information.

Title IV is the section of the Canons of the General Convention that relates to ecclesiastical discipline. This Title applies to members of the clergy.

The Episcopal Church at the 79th General Convention approved the continued use of trial rites for the marriage of same-sex couples until such time as there is a revision of the Book of Common Prayer.

Please send the request for the bishop’s permission at least thirty days prior to the planned date of the wedding.

In accordance with the canons of The Episcopal Church, the Bishop of Arkansas may license confirmed communicants in good standing to serve in various liturgical and pastoral roles within the diocese. Guidelines for training Eucharistic Ministers and Visitors can be found in “A Customary for Eucharistic Ministers and Eucharistic Visitors.” NOTE: Worship Leaders and Preachers must be trained in consultation with the bishop or the bishop’s designee. Contact the bishop’s office for additional information.

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