Canons, Bylaws and Regulations
Canons are our church's laws, which govern its life and discipline; there are diocesan, provincial and national church canons. The Canons of the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa set out its constitution and basic parameters for the bishop, Synod, clergy and lay readers, and parishes.
The Bylaws offer more details on the subjects introduced by the Canons.
The third level of legislation, the Regulations generally deal with fiscal or administrative topics related to Synod, clergy and parishes.
All three divisions of the collated document, commonly referred to as the CBRs, contain important information for clergy, diocesan staff and parishes.
New edition of the CBRs proposed for 2011
The CBRs were issued in a new edition in 2004 and since that time have been updated with legislation passed by each Synod. In response to governance changes approved in 2009, Synod 2010 passed significant changes to the CBRs related to Diocesan Council and the new committee structure. However, these changes have not yet been entered into the 2004 edition of the CBRs because they are extensive and it was thought best to wait until work to incorporate changes related to subcommittees could be accomplished and presented to Synod in October 2011. It is proposed that a new edition will be issued in late 2011, which will incorporate the changes of 2009, 2010 and 2011. Until then, please find below the files that represent the current CBRs.
↑ top
Policies of the Diocese - Administration
Clergy Personnel Policy (2008)
The policy addresses these topics: appointments, duties and responsibilities, compensation, benefits, evaluation, conflict resolution, termination of appointments. There is also a policy (2003) on sexual misconduct.
Rectory Trust Fund Policy (2005)
Synod office policy re use of fragrances (2007)
Encouraging prepayment of CEF loans
Withholding monies from the CTF in the short term (1970)
On Allowing Parishes to Use Money from CTF (2010)
Signing legally binding agreements & contracts
↑ top
Policies of the Diocese - Safe Churches
Privacy Policy
The Diocese of Ottawa follows ten principles when handling personal information.
Each office, agency and parish of the Diocese must assign someone to serve as privacy contact, responsible for coordinating the application of the Privacy Standards Policy and for receiving any queries on privacy matters.
Screening in Faith
All clergy, staff and volunteers who come into contact with vulnerable people must be screened in a manner appropriate to the ministry or job being undertaken.
Every position, paid and volunteer, within the diocese requires a detailed position description.
Sexual Misconduct Policy (2003)
Sexual misconduct is a serious matter for the whole faith community. All allegations of sexual misconduct will be fully investigated, appropriate legal and disciplinary measures will be taken, and the healing and protection of persons and the community will be promoted.
Policies of the Diocese - Worship
Same Gender Blessings
Church of St. John the Evangelist, Ottawa, has permission to offer a rite of blessing to same-sex couples civilly married where at least one party is baptized, utilizing the rite of blessing for civil marriages found in the Book of Occasional Celebrations, published by the Anglican Church of Canada. (2009)
↑ top
RSS Calendar Feed
