About the Clergy and Lay Employee Handbook -- From its original version to the version before you, this handbook reflects our efforts to communicate clearly the current policies and practices regarding employment in the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan. Policies contained in this handbook apply to all employees of the Diocese, whether they work in the Diocesan Center, in congregations, in agencies or in institutions of the diocese.
When updates or future modifications are posted you will be able to find them here.
Important Benefit Changes Effective January 1, 2013
In 2009, the 76th General Convention passed two important resolutions effective January 1, 2013 that may impact benefits for lay employees in your congregation or agency.
Denominational Health Plan (DHP): General Convention Resolution A177 establishes a Church-wide DHP. Under the resolution, domestic dioceses, parishes, missions, and other ecclesiastical organizations in the Episcopal Church who have clergy and/or lay employees who are scheduled to work 1,500 compensated hours annually, must participate in the DHP. That means that all clergy and lay employees who work at least 1,500 hours per year must be covered under the DHP.
Mandatory Lay Pension: General Convention Resolution A138 requires that all Episcopal Church organizations in the U.S. will be required to provide pension contributions for all lay employees scheduled for 1,000 hours or more of compensated work annually.
Information on compliance with the lay pension resolution may be found here
Guidelines for the DHP are available here
For assistance in implementing these resolutions in your congregation or agency, or for enrollment information in our diocese, please contact Jo Ann Hardy, Diocesan Administrator at
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or 313 833 4422.