CONTINUING MINISTERIAL EDUCATION
THE CONTEXT OF CME
Continuing Ministerial Education (CME) is a function of the pastoral oversight of the Bishop for his clergy. It is concerned with personal, collective and professional development and it is expected that all ministers will take responsibility for their own continued lifelong learning.
CME policy, provision and practical matters are the responsibility of the Diocesan Director of Ministerial and Adult Learning.
CME events and opportunities are regularly discussed and advertised.
THE COMPONENTS OF CME
The First Three Years of Ordained Ministry
Post Ordination Training provides a practical partnership between the diocese, training incumbents and curates, for the strengthening and support of mission and ministry. A three-year programme of diocesan events complements training offered locally, addressing the development of roles, skills, knowledge and personal gifts for the early years of ordained ministry. Attendance is seen as a very high priority.
Events and Courses
The dioceses of the eastern region provide a regular programme of short residential courses on particular aspects of ministry (currently, a New Posts conference, an Incumbency Skills Conference, a New Rural Deans’ Conference, a pre-Retirement Conference, and Change Management workshops). There is also a regular Induction Day for those who have recently taken up licensed ministry in the Diocese of Ely. Further events of this sort, both in the region and in the diocese, are to be developed as well as events generally available to ministers and lay people together.
Clergy/Ministers’ Conferences
The Bishop may periodically invite clergy and ministers to a day or residential conference. Attendance is seen as a very high priority.
CME Grants
Personal Grants: All stipendiary clergy are entitled, on completion of an application form, to an annual grant (£120 in 2003) to pursue a course of study, attend a conference, retreat etc. Arrangements for reporting back on CME activities are among the requirements set out on the application form. Copies of the form are available from the Director of Ministerial and Adult Learning. Unclaimed grants are ‘rolled over’ for a maximum period of three years. Grants may be available for Self-Supporting Clergy on a discretionary basis.
Extended Study Leave
Extended Study Leave is a period of withdrawal (normally of three months) from parish and diocesan life for the purposes of study, reflection, spiritual refreshment and rest. All stipendiary workers who hold the Bishop’s licence are eligible for ESL. They should normally have been in role for at least ten years. They should have been in post in Ely Diocese for at least five years (excluding a curacy). For pastoral and financial reasons, ESL is limited currently to six people each year.
Those considering ESL should contact the Director of Ministerial and Adult Learning in the first instance. Initial discussions may result in the Bishop’s permission to begin planning. The person together with the Director prepares an ESL proposal, covering practical arrangements, cover and support, a plan for the elements of the period of leave, including the supervision of study, a financial plan, and arrangements for reporting back. The Bishop may then authorise the ESL.
In addition to the usual stipend, and ESL grant (£500 in 2003) can be made available (to which accumulated Personal Grants can be added). A number of grant-making trusts may also need to be approached. The Director has details of possible sources of funding, in addition to those shown in the section Grant Making Trusts, also found at www.ely.anglican.org/information/dh/grants.html