Restoration (Ministry)

A member of the clergy who has been suspended, removed, or deposed may be restored to active exercise of the ordained ministry under certain conditions. The technical term used is “remission of sentence.” Bishops may be restored only by action of the House of Bishops. Priests and deacons may be restored by action of the bishop of the diocese where the sentence was imposed, subject to certain conditions. Termination or remission of a sentence of removal or deposition requires consent of two-thirds of the Standing Committees and at least four of the five diocesan bishops nearest the diocese where the sentence was imposed. The person who desires to be restored must subscribe to the declaration required of ordinands concerning belief that the Holy Scriptures of the OT and NT are the Word of God containing all things necessary to salvation, and solemnly engaging to conform to the doctrine, discipline, and worship of the Episcopal Church.