A189 Create Task Force to Develop Process for Substance Abuse Screening
In its second enumeration recommendation, the Commission on Impairment and Leadership gave recommendations for screening and evaluation of persons in the ordination process and training for ordinands and others with respect to alcohol and substance abuse: We recommend that the Presiding Bishop and President of the House of Deputies commission a task force or other group to develop a more complete process of screening persons applying for ordination with regard to their history and experience with alcohol and substance abuse. Current practices with regard to screening for alcohol and substance abuse vary widely across dioceses and depend significantly on the thoroughness of the candidate’s psychological evaluation and on the bishop’s and commission on ministry’s awareness and capacity to address these issues. For example, the standard Oxford questionnaire requests information about an individual’s financial, criminal, and employment background, but it does not adequately explore an applicant’s history of addiction and substance abuse. Bishops and commissions on ministry would benefit from education and training in how best to evaluate applicants with a history of addiction who are now living in recovery. This resolution gives effect to the second enumerated recommendation of the Commission on Impairment and Leadership.
Explanation
In its second enumeration recommendation, the Commission on Impairment and Leadership gave recommendations for screening and evaluation of persons in the ordination process and training for ordinands and others with respect to alcohol and substance abuse: We recommend that the Presiding Bishop and President of the House of Deputies commission a task force or other group to develop a more complete process of screening persons applying for ordination with regard to their history and experience with alcohol and substance abuse. Current practices with regard to screening for alcohol and substance abuse vary widely across dioceses and depend significantly on the thoroughness of the candidate’s psychological evaluation and on the bishop’s and commission on ministry’s awareness and capacity to address these issues. For example, the standard Oxford questionnaire requests information about an individual’s financial, criminal, and employment background, but it does not adequately explore an applicant’s history of addiction and substance abuse. Bishops and commissions on ministry would benefit from education and training in how best to evaluate applicants with a history of addiction who are now living in recovery. This resolution gives effect to the second enumerated recommendation of the Commission on Impairment and Leadership.