LAY CHAPLAINCY MANUAL

FOR

CONGREGATIONAL

LAY CHAPLAINCY COMMITTEES

Revised March, 2008

1

CUC Lay Chaplaincy Manual

for

Congregational Lay Chaplaincy Committees

INTRODUCTION

This edition of the Lay Chaplaincy Manual for Congregational Lay Chaplaincy Committees was revised in 2007 to reflect current titles, practices, guidelines, and policies. Every attempt has been made to clarify guidelines with more precise wording and examples.

Significant revisions to the original 2003 document can be found in the following sections:

  • Purposes of the CUC Lay Chaplaincy Program
  • Initial and Enrichment Training
  • Code of Ethics
  • Conflict of Interest
  • Counseling and Consulting
  • Requests for Service

Input on this manual is welcomed from all interested parties. You can send your inquiries and suggestions to the CUC office at . When further revisions are made, all congregations and lay chaplains will be duly informed. Access to the document can be attained by going to the Canadian Unitarian Council website link at

PURPOSE OF THE MANUAL

The purpose of this manual is to provide an easily accessible and consolidated collection of the current policies and practices of the Lay Chaplaincy Program. The manual has been produced in loose-leaf format so that changes or new materials can easily be added. We hope it will serve as a useful, current reference for Congregational Lay Chaplaincy Committees, Lay Chaplains’ Support Groups, applicants for lay chaplaincy positions, and interested members and friends of congregations.

The policies and procedures outlined in this manual meet the guidelines published in 2003 by the Canadian Unitarian Council, which is available on the CUC website at under Archives.

MISSION STATEMENT

The Canadian Unitarian Council Lay Chaplaincy Program helps client couples and families in need of meaningful rite of passage ceremonies, at places chosen by them, by recognizing their personal beliefs and wishes, while being sensitive to the needs of others who attend the ceremony, and reflecting Unitarian and Universalist values that afford respect and acceptance of those who follow different paths of faith.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

PURPOSE OF THE MANUAL

MISSION STATEMENT

HISTORY AND OVERVIEW

Origin

Reference Documents

Purposes of the CUC Lay Chaplaincy Program

CUC Task Force on Chaplaincy

THE LAY CHAPLAIN

Purpose of the Position

Relationship to the Congregation

Qualifications

Initial and Enrichment Training

General Expectations

Specific responsibilities with respect to rites-of-passage services may include:

Further Responsibilities

Code of Practice

Statement of Purpose

Self

Colleagues

Community

Counseling Versus Consulting

Lay Chaplain Conflict Of Interest Guidelines

Recruitment, Selection, Evaluation and Retirement

Selection

Registration with CUC and Provincial Government

Term of Appointment

Benefits of maximum terms of appointment are:

Model Lay Chaplaincy Contract

Reappointment

Evaluation of Lay Chaplains

Termination

Role of the Congregational Lay Chaplaincy Committee

Retiring and Retired Lay Chaplains

THE CONGREGATIONAL Lay Chaplaincy Committee

Congregational Polity

Congregational Lay Chaplaincy Committees and Mentoring Congregations

Members of the Congregational Lay Chaplaincy Committee

CUC Lay Chaplaincy Committee Liaison

Role of the Parish Minister

Regional and Area Lay Chaplaincy Support

CUC Lay Chaplaincy Training Programs

CUC Lay Chaplaincy Committees (CUC LCC-West, CUC LCC-East)

PART FIVE – COMPLAINT RESOLUTION

Section I - Role of the Congregational Lay Chaplaincy Committee

Section II - Role of the CUC Lay Chaplaincy Committee

Section III Role of the CUC Board

PROMOTION, MARKETING AND ADVERTISING

Communications, Outreach & Promotion Working Group

OPERATIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

Familiarity with Applicable Legislation for Rites of Passages

Marriage Act

Officiating at Funerals, Memorial Services, and Child Dedications

Congregational Administrative Support

Fees for Service

Requests for Service

Right Relations between Lay Chaplains and Ministers

Reporting and Record Keeping

Legal Liability - Individuals and Congregations

Emergency Backup

APPENDICES

A. Summary Of CUC Task Force Recommendations

B - Checklist For Appointment

Appointment Procedure

Purpose of the Position

Relationship to the Congregation

Qualifications

Qualities

Initial and Enrichment Training

International Guests at Lay Chaplaincy Training

Enrichment courses

WEB LINKS

Lay Chaplaincy Brochure

Lay Chaplain Application Form

Assessment Form For Lay Chaplaincy Training Fund

Model Lay Chaplaincy Contract

Online Renewal Form

CUULCA

Guidelines For Wearing Stoles

Provincial Marriage Act Requirements Of Lay Chaplains

Model Evaluation Process Kit

Model Ceremonies For Installations And Retirements

CUC Lay Chaplaincy Committee-West And -East

Canadian Unitarian Council

1-888-568-5723 Toronto: 416-489-4121 Vancouver: 604-264-0088

CUC Congregational Lay Chaplaincy Program Manual1

HISTORY AND OVERVIEW

Origin

The CUC Lay Chaplaincy Program was implemented in 1970 in response to specific needs for Unitarian rites of passage. At that time there were few ministers in Canada to meet these needs within their own societies, much less requests from other fellowships in their districts, which often required significant travel time.

This new program allowed societies to recommend one of their members to the CUC to be licensed to perform marriages. The CUC then applied to the various provincial authorities on behalf of the congregation, becoming the legally responsible agent. In Nova Scotia and Quebec, however, societies are allowed to apply for their own license, for which they are legally responsible. The term 'chaplaincy' was selected to name this new program.

Reference Documents

In 2006, the Canadian Unitarian Newsletter included a four-page insert on the Lay Chaplaincy Program to celebrate its 35 years of programming. In the same year,the CUC produced a pamphlet about the program.

These documents are available on the CUC website and through the Toronto office.

Purposes of the CUC Lay Chaplaincy Program

The primary purpose of the program is to provide quality rites of passage in a manner consistent with the CUC-endorsed Principles and Sources for members of the public and members of CUC congregations in situations where a minister is not available.

The program also serves the following secondary purposes:
  1. to promote or showcase Unitarian and Universalist values
  2. to assist non-Unitarians in connecting with our Unitarian and Universalist congregations
  3. to enhance the spiritual growth and development of lay chaplains.

As a result, the program may be a secondary source of income for sponsoring congregations.

CUC Task Force on Chaplaincy

From its introduction until 1998, the chaplaincy program provided a much-needed service to our congregations and communities. Most congregations were well served by their lay chaplains, who conducted about 1,000 rites of passage per year, with few major problems. However, in 1998 the CUC Board concluded that, as with any program that has operated for many years, a review and evaluation of the program should be conducted. The Board approved Terms of Reference, and Task Force members were appointed to ensure that different regions and types of experience with the program were represented. The Task Force began its work in the Fall of 1999, and published its report and recommendations in January, 2001.

Delegates at the 2001 Annual Meeting in Montreal adopted the following recommendations:

  • The name “Chaplain” was changed to “Lay Chaplain” or Célébrant/e in French.
  • The responsibilities of the Ministry and Chaplaincy Committee were divided into two areas, one related to ministry and one to lay chaplaincy. The Executive Director, after consulting with the CUC Board, if necessary, registers those acting in a ministerial capacity with our congregations with provincial authorities. The Chaplaincy Committee was renamed the Lay Chaplaincy Committee (LCC), and the committee was charged with implementing the recommendations that had been adopted.
  • Registration of those acting in a ministerial capacity was now to handled by the Executive Director in consultation with the CUC Board.
  • A Theological Education Funds Committee was set up to handle bursaries.
  • The CUC took responsibility for developing and delivering formal, comprehensive training programs for lay chaplains.
  • A $10.00 levy per fee-paying rite of passage conducted by lay chaplains was to be collected from congregations to fund the Lay Chaplaincy Training Programs.

THE LAY CHAPLAIN

Purpose of the Position

In general, lay chaplains prepare for and officiate at rites of passage (weddings, services of union, funerals and memorial services, child dedication services) for the general public and, in congregations without ministers, for members of the congregation, following guidelines issued by the CUC and additional policies established by each congregation’s Board of Trustees.

Relationship to the Congregation

Lay chaplains are affirmed by their congregations and responsible to their Board of Trustees. They are registered by the CUC with provincial governments, (or may be directly registered by congregations in Nova Scotia, PEI and Quebec). Lay chaplains are under the supervision of their Congregational Lay Chaplaincy Committee or Board of Trustees in the performance of services, and will consult with the minister(s) and other staff members as appropriate to maintain liaison and coordination of activities and events.

Qualifications

Lay chaplains must:
  1. be active members in good standing of their congregation

Note: Some congregations specify a length of time that a person must be a member before applying to become a lay chaplain; this may be as high as five years.

  1. be able to provide or arrange transportation to the service
  2. be able to work flexible hours and respond quickly to requests
  3. be willing to adhere to the Code of Practice for lay chaplains.

Because the rites of passage mark some of the most important events in people’s lives, the lay chaplain constitutes a significant outreach to the public by the congregation.

Consequently, a lay chaplain must have:

  1. a commitment to the religious philosophy of Unitarian Universalism and the ability to articulate that philosophy
  2. the maturity and ability to cope in crisis situations
  3. the ability to communicate easily with people in a spirit of empathy, helpfulness and concern
  4. an effective public speaking voice and manner
  5. an appearance and conduct which favourably represent the congregation and the denomination.

Initial and Enrichment Training

Lay chaplains are expected to successfully complete initial training approved by the CUC Lay Chaplaincy Committees and conducted by experienced lay chaplains and ministers.

In addition, they are expected to attend regular enrichment training sessions, within reasonable limits of time and cost, e.g., the training provided prior to each CUC annual conference and meeting, the mid-winter conference coordinated by Unitarian Congregations of Greater Toronto.

Experienced lay chaplains are encouraged to contribute to the training program by presenting or co-presenting a module.

The CUC recommends a lay chaplain-in-training approach whereby a year before they are appointed, lay chaplains are voted on at their congregation’s Annual Meeting and spend a year shadowing and learning the role. The congregation can apply to the CUC during this year to register the lay chaplains so that the paperwork is ready when they are finished their training year.

General Expectations

Lay chaplains are considered to be leaders of our religious community. As such, they are expected to participate in all facets of congregational life and the larger denomination as interest and time permit. Lay Chaplaincy is an important outreach program of the congregation. Lay chaplains are representatives of our congregation in the wider community. As such, they are expected to perform rites of passage in such a manner as to celebrate and dignify those special occasions in human life, adding spiritual depth to the lives of individuals and communities within the area. Lay chaplains are at all times expected to interact with the larger community in a professional manner, and are expected to understand and be able to articulate and model Unitarian Universalist theology and practice.

Specific responsibilities with respect to rites-of-passage services may include:

  1. to provide information on rites of passage in the Unitarian tradition
  2. to prepare the service in consultation with the clients
  3. to arrange for and conduct rehearsals of wedding services as needed with the clients
  4. to assist in the musical arrangements for services if required
  5. to ensure that final arrangements for services are well coordinated
  6. to officiate at services of rites of passage (weddings, services of union, funerals and memorial services, child dedication services)
  7. to ensure that the integrity and security of the church premises are maintained, when services are held on those premises
  8. to ensure that the legal requirements for registration of marriage are met
  9. to maintain, in addition to the civil register, a record of services performed, fees earned and expenses incurred
  10. to provide the necessary data regarding clients and services to meet the reporting requirements of the congregation’s Board of Trustees, the congregational treasurer, and the Congregational Lay Chaplaincy Committee.

Further Responsibilities

Lay chaplains are expected to be available to attend and participate in Congregational Lay Chaplaincy Committee meetings and activities, and to have an evaluation on a yearly basis done by the Congregational Lay Chaplaincy Committee/ Board of Trustees.

Code of Practice

Statement of Purpose

The following was developed by the Canadian UU Lay Chaplains’ Association (CUULCA) and approved at its May 2006 annual meeting.

The Code of Practice is a statement of the lay chaplains’ serious intent, and expresses their common concerns and loyalties.

As a lay chaplain appointed by my congregation under the guidelines of the Canadian Unitarian Council, I give full assent to this code of practice.

Self

  1. I commit myself, before all else, to an honest and responsible performance of my duties and my role as lay chaplain.
  2. I take responsibility for my spiritual development and growth.
  3. I will identify areas of weakness and improve them with training, mentoring, etc.
  4. Knowing my limitations, I will seek help when in difficulty.
  5. I will sustain in my own mind respect for the lay chaplaincy program.
  6. I will refrain from words and actions (or simply behaviour and attitudes) that degrade the lay chaplaincy program, or are destructive to congregational life.

Colleagues

  1. I will do my best to support my colleagues and to keep, for them, an open mind and heart.
  2. I will respect confidentiality between colleagues.
  3. I will not speak disrespectfully or in derogation of any colleague.
  4. When critical of a colleague, I will speak responsibly, temperately, and constructively.
  5. I support fair and equitable sharing of ceremonial requests.
  6. When co-officiating, I will work in cooperation and in accordance to clearly defined responsibilities.

Community

  1. I will hold to a single standard of respect and help for all members of the church and larger community.
  2. I will respect the confidentiality of private communications.
  3. I will respect the private and intimate boundaries of others’ lives, and I will not trespass on thoseboundaries for my own advantage. My relationship with families requesting special services remains professional.
  4. I will avoid exploiting the needs of another person for my own purposes, e.g., continue a dependent relationship beyond a service.
  5. I will treat with respect and sensitivity the religious beliefs and cultural traditions of others.
  6. I will strive to live and to speak in a way that exemplifies the best of Unitarian and Universalist values and traditions.

Counseling Versus Consulting

Support and encouragement are integral to consulting. To avoid moving from supporting and encouraging into the realm of counseling, congregations are required by the CUCto include in the lay chaplains’ contracts a declaration that they will not engage in counseling beyond consulting on rites of passage. The training program must cover the distinction between counseling and consulting. Lay chaplains do not receive training as therapists; yet, as part of their duties, they may be faced with situations where professional help is required. Even if a lay chaplain is a professionally trained therapist, it is still inappropriate to blend the two roles. It is inappropriate for a lay chaplain to act as a pastoral counselor, since there could be legal liability if lay chaplains go beyond appropriate limits in counseling.

Training and mentoring must ensure that lay chaplains know the boundaries between counseling and consulting. If a lay chaplain identifies a situation involving potential danger points, the client or couple should be told that the lay chaplain is uneasy about the situation. The lay chaplain may check with the minister (if the congregation has one), suggest that the client speak to the minister, or suggest that they seek advice or counseling from a trained professional (suggesting, for example, a specific referral from their family doctor). A lay chaplain may keep a list of available community services, but must not refer to a specific provider. This is because, if a specific referral turns out to be inappropriate, liability issues may arise, and also because it is not appropriate for a congregation to favour one provider over another.

If the lay chaplain suspects situations such as child abuse, this must be immediately communicated to the authorities as required by provincial law. In the event of suspected spousal abuse, advice should immediately be sought from a minister or a qualified professional, or the appropriate authorities should be advised. The phrase “consulting on rites of passage” can help to clarify the role of lay chaplain.

Although counseling is inappropriate, consulting with people is usually necessary and is acceptable provided that such consulting is restricted to the subject matter of making arrangements for a dignified ceremony and allowing for the informed understanding and participation of those involved. Consultants are like good salespersons who listen to learn what the client wants, then fills the need in a supportive and encouraging way.

To give support during grief need not involve counseling. It involves being a good listener and dealing only with matters that involve preparing for the service. Dealing with grief must be addressed in lay chaplaincy training.