[Magdalen] Retired clergy (was Re: Epiphany)

[Grace Cangialosi]

There needs to be a blanket rule, Mike; deciding on a case by case basis would be impossible for everyone. The new rector or vicar can certainly invite his/her predecessor to come back in some capacity, if that feels right, even if it's just to worship, and certainly many allow them to assist at weddings or funerals, if the family requests that. But a clean break needs to be made at the beginning, for everyone's sake.

On January 13, 2016, at 11:16 PM, "Mahoney, W. Michael" <wmmah at stoneledge.net> wrote:

On Wed, Jan 13, 2016 at 7:50 PM, Susan Hagen <susanvhagen at gmail.com> wrote:

> It may be hard but it is essential for the health of the parish when
> the former rector has been impaired.  The alcoholic rector of my
> parish did not retire willingly and had to scraped loose like a
> barnacle.  Even two tenures later he kept trying to come back and
> interfere.  Others mileage may vary of course.
>

I am sure there are cases where a complete separation is necessary, perhaps
even many cases.  But why should we assume that it is necessary in all
cases?

Mike M.