May 8, 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Title IV is the section of the Episcopal Church’s Canons that addresses the grounds and processes for “ecclesiastical discipline,” a canonical process adopted by the Church to encourage accountability, reconciliation and pastoral response when a member of its clergy (deacons, priests or bishops) are accused of misconduct.” (from TitleIV.org)
This process applies to members of the clergy because they have, by their vows at ordination, accepted additional responsibilities and accountabilities for doctrine, discipline, worship and obedience. Its intent is to resolve conflicts by promoting healing, repentance, forgiveness, restitution, justice, amendment of life and reconciliation among all involved.
Title IV is not a criminal proceeding or a civil proceeding; it is an ecclesiastical proceeding. It is about, for and by the Church. It is a process of discernment in which the church seeks enough clarity about what has happened to take action in the interest of justice, healing and wholeness for all involved or affected.
