The clergy of the diocese are encouraged to take adequate time off for refreshment and recreation. The provision for leave in the diocese is as follows.
If an incumbent without an ordained colleague is proposing to be absent from the parish for more than two days, the Area Dean should be informed of arrangements to provide pastoral care.
The normal expectation is that clergy should take some time off each day and a full day off each week. There is an entitlement of six weeks' holiday, including six Sundays. Time for an annual retreat should also be taken outside this provision.
In order to encourage a sabbatical principle of rest and spiritual refreshment it is also suggested that clergy take double their annual holiday entitlement (i.e. 8 weeks) every seven years.
Four bursaries are available each year in each episcopal Area for clergy to take study leave. The bursaries are awarded at the Area Bishop's discretion. The grant available in 2006 is up to £1500 and up to three months' paid leave may be taken. To qualify for this grant from the diocesan budget clergy need to have the approval of their Area Bishop and to have agreed a programme with their Area CME officer. While it is recognised that rest, holiday, and spiritual refreshment will be a legitimate part of such leave it is expected that at least 50% of the time (6 weeks or more) should be devoted to study. Once the programme for the leave is approved at Area level it is forwarded to the Bishop of London's Adviser for Ordained Ministry and the grant is released. A report arising from the study leave should be produced after its completion and a copy given to the Area Bishop, the Area CME officer, and the Bishop of London's Adviser for Ordained Ministry. Additional funding may be available from other sources, such as Sion College, as well as from Area funds.
Bishops are able to grant paid leave of absence to any of their stipendiary clergy for up to three months. There may be cases when there is an urgent need for rest and time away from work. In addition there may be clergy who should be encouraged to think of taking leave in a planned way to give them time for rest and reflection at a particular stage of their ministry. Any additional funding for such leave is the responsibility of the episcopal Area and money is not available from the diocesan training budget.
Guidelines from granting a planned leave of absence, in either category C (Study Leave) or D (Longer Leave), should normally included:
