Clergy can take a leave of absence if suitable alternate arrangements can be made to continue the parish’s activities. Leaves of absence are generally less than two years, except for those elected to provincial or federal governments. Leaves can be renewed by the bishop once they receive a letter of application.
Eligibility & approval
Clergy and lay staff are eligible after they complete one year of full-time service in the Diocese, except as otherwise required by law or specified under the specific type of leave. Requests for leaves of absence by parish clergy need the churchwardens’ concurrence and your bishop’s approval.
Request process
Your request for a leave of absence should:
- be made within the time frame identified for each type of leave
- specify the amount of time you’re requesting
Requests will be granted provided that:
- your absence won’t significantly harm the efficient operation of the parish or diocesan service
- the reason for the leave of absence is warranted
Reasons for granting
The following reasons warrant a leave of absence:
- illness (includes sick leave and short- and long-term disability)
- emergency leave
- pregnancy and parental leave
- professional development leave
- sabbatical leave
- jury duty/court witness
- extended vacation
- participation in political process
- other
For full information, procedures and details on each type of leave of absence, refer to the Parish Human Resources Manual.