Boundaries
in ministry
Understanding and respecting boundaries is absolutely critical to healthy ministry.
We are committed to ensuring that boundaries training is available to all licence and office holders (lay and ordained) as well as PTO holders.
​How does this affect me?
​Ecclesiastical Office Holder
Anyone who hold the Bishop’s licence as a deacon or priest must complete the first three Ministry Standards as well as the accompanying quizzes.
​Licensed Lay Ministers
​LLM’s must complete the first three Ministry Standards as well as the accompanying quizzes.
​Permission to Officiate (PTO)
Anyone who has a PTO is required to complete the first two Ministry Standards as well as the accompanying quizzes. A PTO is not an ecclesiastical office and it is not a licence.
​Office Holders
​All Vestry members, Synod Representatives, Treasurers, Wardens, Canons and anyone who holds a letter of authority, are required to complete the first two Ministry Standards as well as the accompanying quizzes. This is because all those who have signed the Declarations of Assent are subject to Canon D, Titles I-VI.
Why is there a quiz?
The new Title D legislation (concerning the behavioural standards of clergy and office bearers along with the process for any potential breach of such standards) states that the Ministry Standards Commission will “audit the approach of Episcopal Units of this Church to the training and monitoring of Ministers” (II.5.(d)).
If you are required to complete a Ministry Standard training unit, you will also need to complete the accompanying quiz. In order to ‘pass’ you will need to achieve a grade of 80% or higher. This will help demonstrate to the Ministry Standards Commission our serious commitment to the care of vulnerable people and the promotion of healthy behaviours.
Complaints
If you have experienced any sort of abuse, bullying, or inappropriate behaviour by someone in an Anglican Church and wish to lay a complaint, or want to know more about the standards that those in Anglican ministry are required to uphold, you can find out more on our Safeguarding and Complaints page of our website.
​MINISTRY STANDARDS 1: Royal Commission and new Title D Canons
At General Synod in July 2020, Statute 753 (The Title D Amendment Statute, 2020) significantly altered Canon I, Title D (Of Standards). It is critical that all licence holders attend this session and understand the changes.
Watched the video? Now you’re ready to take the quiz!
​MINISTRY STANDARDS 2: POWER IN MINISTRY
Navigating the difference between boundary crossing and boundary violation. Exploring power dynamics in ministry.
Watched the video? Now you’re ready to take the quiz!
​Ministry Standards 3: Power, Social Media and Internet
Identifying internet boundaries and managing social media.
Watched the video? Now you’re ready to take the quiz!