1115 Marion Street, Columbia, SC 29201  ·   803-771-7800  ·       Clergy

Episcopal Diocese of Upper South Carolina
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Reporting Misconduct

The General Convention of the Episcopal Church in 2009 revised the canons known as Title IV to make clergy discipline first and foremost a process of discernment, mediation and pastoral response rather than one that is legalistic and judicial. The process now models those used in the medical, legal and social work professions. The revised canons went into effect on July 1, 2011.

Canon 1 of Title IV sets the theological context for the process: "By virtue of Baptism, all members of the Church are called to holiness of life and accountability to one another. The Church and each Diocese shall support their members in their life in Christ and seek to resolve conflicts by promoting healing, repentance, forgiveness, restitution, justice, amendment of life, and reconciliation among all involved or affected. This Title applies to Members of the Clergy, who have by their vows at ordination accepted additional responsibilities and accountabilities for doctrine, discipline, worship and obedience."

An overview of the process

Before July 1, 2011, clergy disciplinary matters were brought to the bishop or the Standing Committee of the diocese. Effective July 1, 2011, under the revised canons, all matters are now reported to an intake officer (find contact information below). Matters might then be resolved through pastoral care, mediation, an agreement with the bishop, an investigation or any combination of these. An investigation may result in formal mediation, and, if necessary, a hearing.

The process now allows for resolution through whatever means will move those affected toward justice, restitution, amendment of life, repentance, healing, forgiveness and reconciliation. This can include a variety of interventions for all involved and, if necessary, the suspension or removal of the cleric from ordained ministry.

The Title IV canons are available here.

Clergy standards of conduct

Members of the clergy should:

  • Maintain confidentiality
  • Safeguard property and funds of the church
  • Conform to the canons of the Episcopal Church and the rubrics of The Book of Common Prayer
  • Abide by ordination vows
  • Obtain consent of the bishop before engaging in secular employment
  • Obtain consent of the bishop to be absent from the diocese for more than two years


Members of the clergy should not:

  • Engage in sexual misconduct (includes sexual behavior with: a member of the congregation; employee; volunteer; person in high school; person under 18 years of age; person legally incompetent; someone with whom the clergy has ever had a pastoral relationship)
  • Hold or teach any doctrine contrary to that held by the Episcopal Church
  • Commit criminal acts
  • Engage in dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation
  • Habitually neglect public worship, Holy Communion
  • Engage in any conduct unbecoming a member of the clergy
  • Contacting the intake officers:

Anyone may contact the diocesan intake officer to report concerns about the behavior of a member of the clergy (priests, deacons, bishops). This initiates a process to hold clergy accountable for their behavior.

The Rev. Canon Stephen J. Rhoades is the interim intake office for the Episcopal Diocese of Upper South Carolina.

Contact him by e-mail, phone, or in person by appointment:

[email protected]; 864-907-6565 (confidential voicemail)

The intake officer will:

  • Listen with respect
  • Offer pastoral care and response
  • Create a written report regarding the concern(s) presented
  • Answer questions about the process
  • Please note: Effective July 1, 2011, members of the clergy are required to report to the intake officer anything that may constitute an offense and to cooperate with the clergy disciplinary process.

    Ecclesiastical Disciplinary Board 2022 Roster

    Clergy

    The Rev. Dan Wagner, President

    The Rev. Marie Cope

    The Rev. Debbie Apoldo

    The Rev. Patricia Sexton

    Lay

    Mr. West Summers

    Mr. Toby Goodlett

    Mr. Robert Clawson

    Mr. Danny Shelton

    Thanks to the dioceses of Los Angeles, Massachusetts, and Connecticut for providing resources for these pages.

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    Downloads

    Liturgical Resources

    • Bishop Richards' Update on Visitation Customary
    • 2022 Bishop's Visitation Schedule
    • Bishop Richards' Update on Guidelines for Youth Confirmation
    • Marital Judgments
    • Diocesan Cycle of Prayer

    Congregational Resources

    • Licensed Ministries Request Form (2023)
    • Sabbatical Leave Policy
    • Discernment Guide
    • Inquirers' Schedule
    • Diocesan Building and Renovation Procedure
    • Denominational Health Plan
    • Vestry Resource Guide

    Safe Church Training

    • Safeguarding God's People Policy Manual
    • Policy Manual Amendments (September 2022)
    • Safe Church, Safe Communities Course Recommendations (2022)
    • Information for Mandatory Reporters
    • Praesidium Academy
    • Safe Church Training Invitation Letter
    • Lay Personnel Application (2017)
    • Notice of Concern Form

    Financial Administration Resources

    • Manual of Business Methods in Church Affairs
    • Finance Resource Guide
    • Investment Policy Statement
    • Guidelines for Participation in the Diocesan Combined Portfolio
    • Payment Request Guidelines
    • Payment Request Form
    • Missing Receipt Form
    • Application for Encumbrance of Property
    • Church Audit Checklist
    • Pledge Compliance Procedure
    • W-9 Form


    Episcopal Diocese of
    Upper South Carolina

    1115 Marion Street
    Columbia, SC 29201

    Tel: (803) 771-7800

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