FOR CONGREGATIONS
PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT CLERGY/LAY
Our Office of Transitions, Human Resources and Benefits provides information about benefits and employee administration, as well as support if and when issues emerge. Contact the Rev. Canon Stuart Wright for sample letters of agreement.
CLERGY AND LAY COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
MEDICAL AND DENTAL PLANS
Additional medical enrollment information and CPG forms are available on their website:
MANAGING PERSONNEL RECORDS
All congregations should keep confidential personnel files for all clergy and lay employees. Personnel files are “discoverable”–your congregation might be legally required to provide personnel files if sued. Keeping complete, consistent, and well-managed personnel records–private and secure–is essential. Personnel files should include:
- Materials from the original application (resumé, cover letter, application)
- Verifications of Employment
- Job Description
- Offer Letters
- Benefits Enrollment Forms
- Tax forms (W-4 and MW-507 for employees in Maryland)
- Salary History
- Annual Housing Allowance
- Declarations
- Contact Information
- Performance Reviews
- Disciplinary Documentation
Create a separate file for: Medical information (e.g., medical history, application for disability leave, return-to-work releases from health providers)
Create a separate binder for: Form I-9 for each employee (do not put this federally required form into personnel files)
PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT RESOURCES
FILING A MISCONDUCT COMPLAINT
The Episcopal Diocese of Maryland affirms respect, responsibility, and caring between all persons. Inappropriate conduct of church leaders, whether lay or ordained, will not be tolerated. The disciplinary process for clergy is governed by the canons of The Episcopal Church. Recent updates of these canons incorporate an underlying desire that the process be as open, receptive, transparent, and as theologically based as possible, while also respecting the dignity and confidentiality of all parties.
Reporting Procedures
Anyone may report an offense in either in written or oral form. There’s no requirement that the person providing the information must identify themselves. To report an offense, contact one of the following Intake Officers (IO) or call our Diocesan Center, 410-467-1399.
Dr. Pamela Cochran: 434-242-2447 (mobile)
Ms. Patricia McClean: 443-310-8269 (mobile)
SAFE CHURCH/MISCONDUCT REPORTING RESOURCES
Our background checks are conducted by Praesidium, Inc. and may take up to two weeks to complete. When submitting background check requests, download and complete the above form and send to:
Sally Swygert
swygert@episcopalmaryland.org.
CONTACT
The Rev. Christine McCloud
Canon to the Ordinary for Administration and Mission
cmccloud@episcopalmaryland.org