Clergy Disciplinary Process Under Title IV

Clergy Disciplinary Process

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 accountability for doctrine, discipline, worship, and obedience.”

Contacting an Intake Officer

The Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina has two intake officers. You may contact either of the following to start the process, or find help in deciding if this is the right path for your concern (click either name to begin an email): ​
The intake officer will:
  • Help you discern if it is a reportable concern
  • Listen with respect
  • Offer pastoral care and response
  • Create a written report regarding the concern(s) presented
  • Answer questions about the process

Please note: 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.

If you would like to review more information about the clergy disciplinary process, visit the following website: https://www.titleiv.org

Title IV Team Members

Clergy:
The Rev. Ricardo Bailey
The Rev. Cn. Rob Donehue
The Rev. Jennie Olbrych
The Rev. Denise Trogdon
The Very Rev. Bill Watson

Lay: 
Tommy Bultman
George Geer
Pat Neuman
Cheri Thayer

​Church Attorney:  Erin Bailey

Pastoral Response Coordinator:  The Rev. Ross Tortora

Advisors: 
The Rev. Courtney Davis-Shoemaker
The Rev. Deacon James Pecoy
The Rev. Dow Sanderson                     
 
Diocesan Liaisons:
The Right Rev. Ruth Woodliff-Stanley
Skip Utsey, Chancellor 
Melinda Kelley, Vice Chancellor 
The Rev. Canon Philip C. Linder​

An Overview of the Process

All matters are reported to an intake officer.  Matters might then be resolved through pastoral care, mediation, an agreement with the bishop, a pastoral directive (Canon IV.7.1), an investigation or any combination of these.  An investigation may result in formal mediation, and, if necessary, a hearing.
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The process 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 in the Constitution & Canons for The Episcopal Church.
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You can also find more information on the Title IV website for The Episcopal Church.