AOCM Committee, The Chapel, St John's

Our meeting was hosted by Mark at St John’s, Nottingham. We started and finished our day in The Chapel, openning with Morning Prayer and closing with the Eucharist. Thanks Makr for all the arrangements and making the day go so well.

The Minutes will be published later in January; included in our discussions were the purpose of AOCM, raising the profile of AOCM through Facebook,  and the role of the AOCM Rep.

with help from Dr Mark Hodge (Ministry Division Grants) –  Tel: 020 7898 1396   Email: mark.hodge@churchofengland.org

 AOCM covers finances from pre-selection to curacy and takes up issues of funding and resources on behalf of ordinands set against wider changes in student finance. Readers are from a diversity of financial positions. Some will have had a salary, home of their own and lifestyle to match and be adapting to a student budget. Others have been living on a grant or low income and may begin training with few resources, even debts. Diocesan provision, resources for single or married ordinands and whether your spouse is working all add to the diversity of funding.

 If finances are tight or you need to raise funds for placements there is a range of charities and trusts to contact for additional financial assistance. The website includes details of grant-making trusts, their conditions and addresses. Diocesan provision is becoming more uniform; AOCM aims to be able to share good practice in this area.

 Funding of Theological Colleges and Regional Courses:

Block grants for tuition costs are now made by Ministry Division to institutions and courses calculated by the number of sponsored ordinands attending each institution. Grants to ordinands are now paid by BACS direct to students not via the college or course. For college students this grant includes the college maintenance fees, to be paid on to the college.

 Government Student Awards

Local Education Authorities no longer make discretionary awards for ministerial training. It is only appropriate to apply to the LEA if you are undertaking a first College degree course and have not previously received LEA assistance. The administration of LEA grants is in the process of being centralized and application should be made through the government’s web-site at www.direct.gov.uk.

 Support under the Disability Discrimination Act

If you have a disability eg restricted sight, hearing or mobility or have dyslexia you are entitled to support to assist with accessing your course. This is often government funded and accessed through your training institution. You will be assessed and appropriate provision made, which can include grants for adapted equipment and additional tutorial support. Where support is required from Central Church Funds please contact the Grants Officer at the Ministry Division.

 MINISTRY DIVISION GRANTS

Residential training – Once selected you will receive a form to apply for a grant from Central Church Funds to complete when your college place is confirmed and send to the Ministry Division. College tuition fees are paid in full; any fees grant made from another source must be used to reimburse Ministry Division. A personal contribution towards maintenance may be assessed where students are in receipt of an unearned income from savings and investments over £1,215 a year.

Ministry Division Allowances – These cover, in addition to college  tuition and maintenance fees, personal expenses, books, common room subs, and travel if living over 20 miles from college. The standard personal allowance is currently £1,419 pa; short vacation allowance £400 pa and long vacation allowance £450 pa.

Although primary responsibility for the support of the families of married ordinands rests with the sponsoring diocese, Ministry Division contributes to these costs through family maintenance grants made from the Church Times TAP Fund. To apply for these grants a copy of the agreed estimated budget should be submitted to the Grants Office at the Ministry Division.

Non-residential training – Ministry Division pays Course fees in full in all cases; plus book grants of up to £264 per annum and travel costs, which are assessed on a scale related to income and commitments.

The OLM Schemes, from September 2011, are now all part-and-parcel of the Regional Course network. The arrangements for book and travel grants from the Ministry Division are now therefore the same for all non-residential students.

DIOCESAN GRANTS

Diocesan Family Support – Families of ordinands in residential training are supported mainly by the sponsoring diocese. Costs are distributed between dioceses by a pooling of resources. Provision for housing is made within limits set for individual Colleges ranging from £8,825 to £11,300. In addition family support is provided according to the following guidelines:

Plus a diocesan grant for married ordinands’ removal expenses to college.

DEDUCTIONS

The recommended figures in the table above, plus housing costs is the overall total figure that you will receive. The following, where applicable, are deducted, with the diocese providing the shortfall:

RECOMMENDED FIGURE – Less:

* Ministry Division/LEA/Maintenance Contribution

* State Benefits (incl. Child Benefit);

* Child Tax Credit – 75% after the first £2,210

* Earned income above £1,105 pa;

* Unearned income at the discretion of the diocese

* Income from Charities above £460

* 75% of Working Partners’ Income after the first £2,210

Diocesan support for single students:

This remains an area of concern in which AOCM has campaigned for several years. Grants payable by Ministry Division are designed to fund ordinands during the academic year but not the long vacation. Full-time students are not eligible for Income Support and in many instances it is inappropriate for them to have to depend on families and friends support in the vacation. Sponsoring dioceses are asked to supplement the expenses of single ordinands but unlike married ordinands there is not one standard recommended amount. Ministry Division issues a single ordinands’ budget form with guidelines. Almost all dioceses have now adopted this and you should contact your diocese if help is needed. Diocesan grants up to £1,395 pa are included in the national pooling arrangements.

BENEFITS AND REBATES

Income Tax – Don’t forget to claim back any income tax you may be owed from your tax office when you start training.

Child Benefit – Available to everyone with children under 16 (19 if still in full time education). £20,30 per week for the first child and £13.40 per week for each subsequent child.

Child Tax Credit – Married students with children (under 16 or 19 if still in full time education) can apply. Unlike Child Benefit, it is means-tested; couples with a joint income of up to £50,000 pa may be eligible to receive some tax credit. It is paid by the Inland Revenue not the DWP directly to “the person… mainly responsible for caring for the children in the family”. It is paid in addition to Child Benefit. It does not require one partner to be working and paying tax. Applicants can check eligibility on-line at: www.hmrc.gov.uk/taxcredits or www.direct.gov.uk/taxcredits. A claim pack should then be ordered form the Tax Credits helpline – 0845 300 3900. It has until recently been possible to apply online, but this facility is no longer available.

Working Tax Credit – Replaced Working Families Credit, which in turn replaced Family Credit. This may be claimed where one partner works more than 16 hours a week and there are sizeable childcare costs to be met. But couples without children are also eligible to apply.

Income Support – Not generally available to students but partners may be able to claim.

Medical – You may be entitled to a percentage rebate on prescriptions, dental and optical treatment. Fill in form HC1 available from doctors, dentists and opticians when you register at their practice.

Council Tax – Ordinands living in College rooms should be exempt from the tax. Those living outside College who are full-time students will be eligible for Council Tax discount; if income and savings are below relevant levels Council Tax benefit can be claimed for the married ordinand. Provision for Council Tax should be included in the estimated budget agreed with the diocese. This area is very complicated, especially for married ordinands. A number of Councils have agreed that, where a married student lives in a College-owned or College-managed accommodation, the household should be completely exempt from Council Tax. You will need to check the position with your particular college and College Bursar, who should be able to advise.

Home owners -If you have a house that you own, which is let whilst you train, you are not liable for Council Tax for such time as it is paid by the tenant. However, if the property is empty for any period you will be liable to Council Tax at half-rate on a second home.

Regional Courses – Students studying for 21 hours or more for 24 weeks per year, with limited income may be able to gain a Council Tax Rebate If you fulfil these conditions then you will need a ‘student certificate’ from your Principal, confirming your eligibility, for your Council.

Life Assurance – All dioceses now provide for Life Cover via Ecclesiastical Insurance Group’s scheme for married candidates. This provides funds in the event of the death of a married candidate (or lone parent) in College training. The scheme has been extended to also include the option of providing cover for any married candidate (or lone parent) sponsored for stipendiary ministry who is training on a Regional Course, for a period of three months before the date of ordination.

Debt – Dioceses ask candidates to complete a Statement of Financial Position form before attending a Bishops’ Advisory Panel. The aim is to ensure that candidates embark upon ordained ministry free of significant financial liabilities. Details of any debts, including student loans, must be given in the form; debt is acceptable provided that there is a realistic plan in place to ensure that it will be managed and can be repaid.

FINANCE AFTER ORDINATION:

Those ordained to full-time stipendiary ministry are eligible for a number of grants paid by the ordaining diocese. The Central Stipends Authority recommends the following minimum levels of grant:

* Removal Expenses – The cost of removal van, labour etc. You will usually need to provide three quotes.

* Resettlement Grant – A minimum of £2,130 (current rate, 2011-12) to cover moving-in expenses.

* First Appointment Grant -a minimum of £2,130 (current rate, 2011-12)   to cover robes, books and other expenses incurred upon taking up your first post. (A further grant is available on taking up your first incumbency.)

Assistance available from the Church Commissioners:

Stipends Advance – The Church Commissioners offer interest-free stipend advances of up to £900 to candidates about to be ordained, repayable over a term of up to twelve months.

Car Loans – All clergy who are paid through the Church Commissioners are eligible for a car loan, subject to the following conditions. The loan should not exceed the sum of £10,685; the maximum term of the loan is 4 years. The car should not be more than four years old (if it is more than this it may still be possible to purchase subject to a mechanical inspection). An HPI/Car Data Check is required for all second-hand vehicles. The loan is subject to a rate of interest which remains fixed once the loan has been agreed. (The current rate is 5.0% ) NB! The Church Commissioners usually send further details on loans to ordinands in their final year, either direct, or through the training institutions, in the Spring of each year. For more information click here

Tax Deductible Expenses – The Church Commissioners’ booklet also gives details about tax, tax allowances and tax deductible expenses. NSMs should note that they can only claim tax relief for church duty related expenditure, on income derived as a minister and not on income from other employment.

Provision for NSMs and OLMs – Generally these grants and assistance are not available to these categories. Where appropriate, financial provision is negotiated between the individual, the parish and the diocese.

Clergy Stipend – The current National Minimum Stipend (from April 2011) is £21,370 pa.

APPLYING TO A TRUST

Training for ministry can be a difficult time financially. Fear not, there are many people who want to help. Don’t try and go it alone. Your Diocese, your parish, your college or course and various grant-making trusts may all be sources of help.

Before you apply – Find out as much as you can about the trust’s purpose and make sure your need fits.

Make sure that you provide all the information they need to decide on your claim – which will probably include clear information about amount needed and other resources.

Write to the correct people:  HINT – check the section “How to address the clergy” in Crockford’s Clerical Dictionary.)

Visit the AOCM Grant Making Trusts section

This entry is filed under Money.

« Contact information for key ministry division advisers…

Codes of Procedure – for seeking a title post »

Grants from £100 to £400, for projects which benefit the whole church; committee meets in November to decide on awards for coming year.

c/o Mr Edward Peacock, Mission Grants Administrator, 24 Ferndale, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3NS     Tel 01892 543206  e-mail peacockedward@hotmail.com

St Michael’s College

 Minutes

 Present:

Cliff Kay, Ridley Hall, Lucy Davis, ERMC, Mark Bradford, St Johns, Frankie Lee, Westcott, Sam Erlandson, (Treasurer), Margaret McPhee, (Chair), Annie McCabe (Secretary).

 Apologies for absence:

Simon Bale, Jenny Crawford, Carol Dunk, Andy Freeman, Andrew Gray, Alistair Gibbs, Bernadette Hegarty, Nick Mercer, Sally Myles, Dan Pierce, Adrian Walker

 1 Welcome

The Chair welcomed all those attending, particularly representatives for whom this was their first meeting. She introduced an ice breaker activity to build new relationships and share expectations for involvement in AOCM in the coming year.

The dominant themes were those of raising the profile of AOCM and reflecting more accurately the balance of part residential and residential training.

 2 Apologies for absence

Apologies for absence were given.

 3 Opening comments

 The Chair made introductory comments about the nature of AOCM, its current context and her hopes for the coming year. She affirmed the contribution of the outgoing AOCM Executive. The full text of this address would be posted on the web site.

Action: Chair

 4 Matters arising

 The matters arising from the previous meeting were all identified and would be covered in Item 5. The Secretary was asked to send the minutes of the previous meeting to the new representatives present. The minutes were approved and signed by the Chair

Action: Secretary

 5 Feedback from Ministry Division

 The Chair reported to representatives the key points from the meeting held with David Way and Mark Hodge at Ministry Division on 10 March 2011.

Training Pathways

• Ministry Division welcomed the feedback from AOCM on the four options presented in the Training Pathways Consultation Paper.
• It was recognised that option 4 was the choice preferred by AOCM representatives
• Ministry Division confirmed that the primary reason for the training pathways review was financial. However it also provided a strategic opportunity to consolidate and ensure that ordination training reflected the change in demographic and previous professional experience evident amongst ordinands in recent years.
• The phrase “other strategic ministers” sought to recognise that leadership roles in the church included those gifted in broader team and multi parish leadership as well as those with responsibilities as theological educators. This clarification was welcomed by AOCM Executive Members.
• Ministry Division confirmed that AOCM will be updated on progress on the Training Pathways initiative later this year after June when the proposals will be presented to Ministry Council and the 2012 budget has been set in July by General Synod.

 Disability Policy Questions

• Ministry Division confirmed that, within the Church’s disability policy, there was a requirement for reasonable adjustment to be made for candidates and trainee ordinands with a disability. This included the process of finding a curacy.
• David Way confirmed that he would raise the question concerning the potential impact of the most recent Equality legislation with those with particular responsibility for this area in Ministry Division.

 Grants for Curacy Costs

• Ministry Division confirmed that, whilst guidelines were available, the decision concerning the level of grant and the way in which it is administered is the responsibility of each Diocese.
• There was recognition of the detrimental impact on ordinands if information on grants was late or incomplete.

 6. The dates for the next three AOCM Conferences were agreed as:

 Saturday 12 November, 2011

Saturday 14 January, 2012

Saturday 28 April, 2012

 Venues to be confirmed.

• The representative for St John’s agreed to investigate the possibility of hosting the November meeting at St John’s, Nottingham    

                                                                      Action: Representative for St John’s

• The Chair confirmed that the ERMC part residential course would be willing to host the January meeting in Hoddesdon

                                                                                                            Action: Chair

• The Secretary agreed to contact AOCM representatives in the South to find a potential venue                                                                   Action: Secretary

 7. AOCM Future Development

 The Treasurer in his capacity as Representative for St Michael’s gave an incisive presentation on the Church in Wales that included drawing out the differences in structure from that of the Church of England. Having explored the possibilities, it was concluded that, given the nature of that structure and relationships network, it would not be feasible to develop AOCM involvement in Wales.  However, AOCM would be relevant to future English trainee ordinands, studying at St Michaels.

 Under this item, a discussion also took place concerning ways to raise the profile of AOCM elsewhere in UK.

A number of ideas were offered for consideration

• An AOCM Retreat
• AOCM sponsorship of research or an event compatible with the aims of the organisation
• The development and distribution of book marks and posters to all colleges
• An AOCM introductory letter distributed through DDOs to trainee ordinands before starting college
• The creation of a link to the “Call Vocation” website
• The creation of AOCM on facebook and twitter

 The Chair will sound out these ideas with Ministry Division and then action as appropriate. However it was decided that an Annual Retreat would be for consideration in the longer term

Action: Chair

 8. Questions and issue around the colleges

 No issues or questions were raised on this occasion

 9. AOCM Subscription

 The annual subscription for AOCM for 2011/12 is £4.50 per student. The Treasurer explained that invoices had not been sent to College Principals. This was because a full handover of process and documentation with the outgoing Treasurer has not been possible. He also expressed concern at the unsatisfactory state of the documents that had been received e.g. incomplete cheque records.

This concern was shared by the meeting. Specific actions were agreed to address the situation:

• In the constitution, a full handover between the outgoing and incoming Treasurer should take place at the same time as the handover between the other Executive roles                                                                       Action: Chair
• An update on AOCM accounts should be a regular agenda item for the Treasurer to present at every meeting                            Action: Treasurer
• Urgent action to be taken to gather the outstanding data from the outgoing Treasurer.                                                                   Action: AOCM Exec

 10. Expenses and contact detail check

 Travelling expenses for those attending the meeting were addressed and contact details were updated

 11. Any other business

 None on this occasion

 The meeting ended with sharing prayer requests and then prayer.

The Chair thanked the Representative from St Michael’s for hosting the conference and for the hospitality and welcome given to AOCM representatives.

 All those attending also shared in Morning Prayer and an afternoon Eucharistic Service in St Michael’s College.

Margaret, Annie and Sam

It is with pleasure and excitement I read the article on part time training in the 10 June edition. It affirms the validity of this pathway for formation for ministry and starts to dispel the perception that full time, residential based programmes is the only valid way.

This year’s AOCM (Association of Ordinands and Candidates for Ministry) Executive Committee wants to raise the profile and understanding of part time part residential programmes amongst those training for ministry as well as deepening the engagement with such programmes through their AOCM representative. Although focused within the training community, it does provide the opportunity to understand the contrasting approaches to ministerial training alongside the challenges and benefits residential and part residential training provide.

Being on a part time part residential training pathway myself (Eastern Regional Ministry Course), I can relate to the breadth of training this survey indicates exists. Training with those who hold and value other theological perspectives and opinions of worship and spirituality is challenging yet illustrates the deep wealth our Christian faith offers. What is so often humbling in our community is the way this diversity brings understanding, dialogue, honouring and affirmation of each of our calls, whatever our tradition. Part of this I am convinced is through the church placements which will be in contrast to our own context and tradition.

Ed Thornton highlights the difficulties of placement arrangements for those in part time training. ERMC, as I am sure other part time programmes have, have provided excellent and efficient support in arranging placements. This, though, isn’t about the staff doing all the work; as ordinands we do highlight what we are interested in and it is a two way dialogue as they are arranged. There is the issue of time, but this is something we discuss with our supervisor and placement church / organisation to ensure the required time and opportunity for reflection is possible.

There is richness in the diversity, flexibility and number of accredited routes for training for ministry. The heritage in the UK of ministerial training and the 21^st century educational context of rising costs the Church find itself in forces us all to focus on the value, benefits and constraints of the available resources and options for those training for ministry. Part time, part residential programmes provide a high value opportunity alongside the distinctive approach of full time residential training. Both should be upheld and commended.

Margaret McPhee

Chair, AOCM

Yes it is difficult to get the time to study, whilst balancing work, family etc., though the benefits outwiegh the negatives. You are grounded in reality and have to learn to be quick to put theology into practice, on the hoof, so to speak. Also, on a Part - Residential course, you really do meet a diversity of people and denominations.

For me,  this diversity is one of the best things about courses such as E.M.M.T.C. I come from a liberal Anglo – Catholic background  and have worshipped  and learnt numerous things about  inner – city black pentecostal churches to the U.R.C. My friends on the course are from a variety of these backgrounds, or are simply from the wide Anglican umbrella. I’ve hugely valued this, because there are times when I’ve been challenged or felt uncomfortable with things,  which I’ve learnt a huge amount from, and grown spiritually and mentally due to this.

Part – time studies aren’t for the faint hearted and teach so much about time – management and prioritising things, all these are vital in daily parish ministry, whatever role one takes. The course fits in 10 assignments per year, ranging from 2,000 to 6,000 words, a 30 hour minimum placement every year, 6 residential weekends, plus one week for Easter School, every year, not to mention week night lectures mainly once a week, plus you’ve got to fit in normal work and family etc. 

Our tutors and lecturers have all been first rate and very diverse too, they have been encouraging and supportive, especially over the uncertainty in the past two years. This year sees the demise of E.M.M.T.C. and, though I won’t miss the assignment treadmill,  I will miss the breadth and depth of the people and their theologies on the course, most of all I will miss their fellowship on a regular basis.

In my opinion, I feel better prepared to face the strains and stresses of everyday ministry then if I’d been privileged to have been on a Residential course. God Bless all those who take up the extra challenging nature of non – residential courses, as I’ve appreciated my opportunity.

 Carol Durk

I find it amazing to be part of this service to all training for minsitry and to be a member of a team of ordinands from across different training paths representing the breadth of the Anglican Church in the UK. I pray we will be able to come together in collaboration as Christians on a specific journey of formation to prayerfully represent our colleagues we are journeying with and to enable effective dialogue, with Ministry Division and others, to understand further the context we are training in.  

The relationship with Ministry Division has been cemented during the past year, both through Carys Walsh attending Conferences and with 3 meetings at Ministry Division in the past 12 months. This has enabled face to face constructive discussions, aiding and clarifying areas where necessary.  They invited AOCM to contribute to the Consultation on future funding options for ministerial training, clearly a sensitive and challenging issue which the Church has to address. What this has done is highlighted the diversity, flexibility and number of accredited routes for training for ministry, the heritage in the UK of ministerial training and the 21^st century educational context of rising costs the Church, and we, find ourselves in.

I want to thank the outgoing Executive who have contributed so positively in raising awareness of AOCM amongst those studying with new marketing material and revamping the website. Those of you from residential training have an ongoing involvement with AOCM but there has been limited presence for those in part residential training. Being on a part residential pathway myself, I am keen to raise the profile of AOCM across all training centres, particularly with part and non residential training programmes. Those training this way have similar but also distinct issues that arise and I believe it is important ordinands are aware they are not on their own but have an effective and supportive body who can represent them individually and as a group. When we plan dates for meetings over the next year, it would be great to include a part residential course location to help develop an understanding within AOCM of these programmes.

AOCM not only represents Church of England ordinands but all in the UK and Ireland who are training for ministry. This includes those training to be Church Army Evangelists, and all those training for ordained ministry in the Church in Wales, the Episcopal Church of Scotland and Church of Ireland. There has been a perception from some AOCM focuses on those training for the Church of England. The previous Committee started to develop the link with the Church of Wales; Sam is exploring this and it is a pleasure to be here at St Michaels to find out more about the Church in Wales. We may also want to consider how we develop the other relationships over the coming months.

Dioceses operate in different ways, issues can arise which can cause a feelings of isolation or ambiguity to individuals. A lack of information or clarity can cause the biggest anxieties and this is where AOCM can get involved. Of course these are periods which are alongside periods of great joy as we move towards our future ministry. Whatever our training route, as a Committee and as individual reps we will get alongside and get to know those around us in training, being a source of guidance and help.

It is a privilege to be training for ministry and to have been elected as Chair. Both in different ways have been unexpected but God given opportunities!  Here’s to an encouragement for each of us in our ministry and a deepening affirmation of our calling over the next year.

Margaret

The Committee

1. The conference started with coffee followed by Morning Prayer led by Bernadette Hegarty (Mirfield)

1. Attendance: Dom Jones (Chair), Diego Galanzino (Treasurer), Sally Jones (Secretary), Andrew Hall (Cranmer Hall), James McGowen (Cranmer Hall) Chris Hassell (St John’s Nottingham), Frankie Lee (Westcott House), Andy Walker (Trinity Bristol), Annie McCabe (Ripon Cuddesdon), Graham Wilkins (Ridley Hall), Margaret McPhee (ERMC), Mark Lyon (St Stephen’s House), Bernadette Hegarty (Mirfield), Carol Durk (EMMTC).

1. Apologies: Nicholas Mercer (OMC Cuddesdon), Pete Myers (Oak Hill), Carys Walsh (MinDiv) Sam Erlandson (St Michael’s, Llandaff)

1. Minutes of the Last Meeting and Matters Arising: The minutes of the last conference were agreed upon and signed off.

The main issue arising at the last was concerning Maintenance Grants and extra being charged by colleges to top-up, this was taken to the last meeting with MinDiv (12^nd January), this is not a new issue as MinDiv were aware of this issue within Cramner Hall already, however this is not an issue relating to just one college and will be taken further by MinDiv and discussed at the board of finance meeting in March. Guideline have already been provided by MinDiv on what the maintenance grant provides for and this can be found on the AOCM website.

Another large issue was Common Tenure and it was observed that the main issue concerning ordinands was the lack of communication.  As of 31st January 2011 all curates ordained after this will be on time limited common tenure for 4 years for the purpose of training to take on a full common tenure post. Curates already in training will be assessed but it won’t be quite the same!

Feedback was given from when the Chair took the issue of vocation & professionalism to MinDiv – MinDiv were very interested to hear this as they are often accused of focusing too much on the vocational. David Way has had to spend a lot of time with Bishops persuading them that then new assessments still leave room for vocations.  MinDiv try very hard to marry professionalism and vocation together.

It was reported for reps information what help is available for Ordinands who have had to drop out of training due to health issues

-         Ministry Division discretionary fund- the student needs to devise a budget with DDO as to how much support would be needed to allow the ordinand to return to good health and continue training.

1. Training Pathways: Discussion was held concerning the issues around more expensive training pathways and it was recognised by the conference that the current methods of training are not viable for the future and therefore understand the need to look into other options of training. This issue was discussed that the last meeting with MinDiv (12^th January). MinDiv have made a commitment that diocesan fees for training will not raise more than 1%, further to this, MinDiv would like all diocese to make a 5 year plan so that each diocese knows how many priests they need, how many are retiring, how many curates they will need and where the money for all this will come from.

Currently 10% of all ordinands training for ministry within the Church of England are on high cost pathways, this uses 50% of the money available for training.

The Chair read from a letter received by MinDiv (dated 12^th January 2011, photocopies were made for those at the conference).

Clarification was asked for the term ‘Strategic Ministers’, the Chair is going to seek a definition of this term from MinDiv.

There was a question concerning the role of BAP and it being used to select potential future bishops, reply was made by the Chair that BAP is not seeking to pick out potential bishops, bishops come from all backgrounds however it was recognised that wording ‘strategic Ministers’ is miss-leading if that is the case.

A question was also raised about the appeals process and it role in deciding a candidates training pathway. The Chair replied, if a candidate feels like they should be on a higher (or different) pathway, appeal should be made early on and the candidate should speak directly to their DDO.

The letter (dated 12^th January) was distributed and discussion followed concerning the merits of each of the 4 options currently under discussion by the working group appointed to look into these matters(page 2 of the letter). The discussion resulted in the following agreements:

Point One: “Paying for the high cost routes but not the validated pathways so that the majority of candidates meet the Church’s requirements but do not get an academic award or contribute the additional cost of the academic award themselves”

AOCM was unclear regarding specifics of this option and seeks further information before passing comment. It was interpreted by the committee to mean that whilst all students would undertake the same work, not all would come out with a degree or certificate. However there was some confusion.

Point Two: “Paying only a standard amount for each ordinand plus a system of bursaries for potential strategic ministers and theological educators to cover part of the cost of high cost routes, and looking to students, supporting parishes and college bursaries to make up the difference on the high cost routes.”

Concern was expressed regarding a potential degree of unfairness regarding the inability of well-off dioceses and parishes to financially support Ordinands and thus being penalised.

Additionally AOCM would be interested to know what criteria would be used to award bursaries.  We all greatly appreciate the fact that our training is funded and do worry what the result of this stopping would be. We recognise that ministry is a vocation but have anxiety that vocation might be overruled by finance.

Point Three: “Reducing the level of maintenance paid for families and children (currently £4m by dioceses in addition to their contribution to Vote 1) and using the money to pay for the increased cost of training itself, and looking to students, supporting parishes and college bursaries to make up the difference.”

AOCM strongly disagreed with this and would wish to discuss this much further with Ministry Division if it were to be seriously considered.

It was felt that maintenance paid for families and children was already currently insufficient any reduction this would be a great shame and potentially an adverse threat to those exploring training.

Point Four: AOCM felt this was an interesting option with some pros and cons.  The committee wanted to know if the thinking behind this option was purely financial or if there was any other reasoning?

•           We would like more information as to how this would save money – are there any figures available and has it been budgeted?

•           AOCM considered one of the positive things concerning this option would be the equality it would bring with every Vicar in the country having undergone the same training and having the same qualification. We felt this was positive and might remove possible arrogance associated with certain academic qualifications and institutions.

We were also aware that degrees could not be awarded unless a training programme had been running for four years, consequently what would happen in the preceding four years?

Would the flexibility and diversity currently available through the choice of different colleges be retained?

Reps were asked not to distribute the letter until the Chair had checked with MinDiv that this was not confidential information.

Discussion continued concerning standardised training and at what point during training ordinands would be able to add specialist skills/ training to their belt. The rep from EMMTC suggested post ordination as curacy is still a period of training however concern was expressed that during curacy time for study becomes shorter and leaving it this long could hinder people’s opportunities to develop in their ministry.

Following on from this issue, the Chair asked the committee to consider what made training for ministry distinct from just studying for a theology qualification, what do we value in our colleges/ on our training schemes, what are the priorities of training?

The conference shared a range of answers from their own experiences: the list below are some of the things the committee members felt was most important to their training.

Pastoral Training

Placement opportunities – Parish, Non-Parish (Chaplaincy etc), Secular

Theologically Educated

Prayer life

Spiritual Direction

Community/ Family

Personal Spiritual Formation

Skills for ministry (Learning how not to burn out etc)

Eclectic view of the church (traditions and styles)

The conference values that we are being trained and supported in our ministry and that the church invests in us 100%, thanks was expressed for this.

1. Lunch break was taken during the above agenda item as the agenda was running over. A tour of the college was given by the Mirfild rep.

1. Issues from Colleges: The rep from Cuddesdon raised the question of students training with disabilities. Some reps shared the policies of their colleges and discussion was made whether colleges have their own policy or fall under existing university policies.

It was also asked if MinDiv have policies on disabilities following the equality act. The Chair will take this question to MinDiv and find out what their policy  is. There was also a question of what support/ protection is provided once an ordinand is ordained and curacy.

Something was done a few years ago by AOCM in this issue and the Chair was to look this up.

The rep from Ridley asked the conference if any of the colleges were ‘fair trade’.

The rep from EMMTC raised the problem that self supporting ordinands are having finding grants. A small grant is given at the beginning of each term which is designed to cover books and fuel costs; however it is believed that this is not enough. Another issue concerning self supporting ordinands is that they have to take a lot of time off work (usually taken from annual leave) to complete work, and for ordination retreat/ ordination. This is an issue that needs to be taken up between the individuals and their diocese; however these concerns will also be taken to MinDiv. The Chair will report back.

1. Questions relating to elections: Opportunity was given for reps to ask questions about the roles up for nomination (Chair, Treasurer and Secretary).

1. Nominations of candidates and Hastings: Nominations were made and an extended coffee break was taken to allow the committee to think further about the positions, to give opportunity for further questions, or to express concern.

As the committee returned from their coffee break, each member was given a voting card and asked to vote either for a person standing for each of the positions or to re-open nominations.

10.  Results: The conference voted for:

Margaret McPhee (Chair)

Sam Erlandson (Treasurer)

Annie McCabe (Secretary)

Congratulations!!!!!!!

1. The Chair gave some final reflections on the year of AOCM which will be publicised on the website

12.  AOB & Expenses: Articles for the website was discussed, the rep from St Johns, Nottingham has provided one about Street Pastors. The rep from Trinity will write one on life in residential theological college. The rep from Mirfild will write one about her experiences in South Africa on placement. The rep from EMMTC will write one about non-residential training.

13.  Thanks was expressed to the rep from Mirfield for her hospitality.

Thanks was also given from the committee to the outgoing executive for their work over the past year.

14.   The conference ended with a period of prayer for the incoming executive as they take up their new roles and the outgoing executive as they move on into their curacies.

Prayer Requests from Colleges

Mirfield: Sense of community. Guidance for the up and coming inspection from MinDiv and for the appointment of a new principle

St Michael’s, Cardiff: All those who are still waiting for title parishes. Give thank for the final completion of building work and pray for the college as it evolves and develops.

St Stephen’s House: Pray for the life of St Stephens, for all who have their title parishes and their futures. Bless the tutors and sustain them in their work. Pray also that all may remain faithful in their calling.

Chair: Thanks for the year passed in the AOCM and we give thanks for the stronger relationship we have developed with MinDiv.

ERMC: Pray for the diversity of the course, giving thanks for the opportunity to train. Pray also for the staff.

Ridley: Thanks for the engagement with other traditions. Pray for the Fair Trade Policy of the college and for the term ahead.

Trinity, Bristol: Thanks for the supportive community. Pray for those seeking title parishes. Pray also for the college’s like with a college in the Sudan.

St John’s, Nottingham: Give thanks for the move to new  a new affiliating University of Chester and for those members of faculty and admin staff who put in a lot of work to make this happen.

Cranmer: Pray for title parishes, for the mission of the college and their ecumenical links.

Margaret McPhee -Eastern Region Ministry Course - Chair

Annie McCabe – Ripon College Cuddesdon - Secretary

Sam Erlandson – St. Michael’s Llandaff – Treasurer

We wish them all the best during their time on the AOCM Exec and also take this opportunity to thank the outgoing committee for their hard work over the past year.