As the clergy of the Free Episcopal Church, we are called to be living symbols of continued conversion and formation. In order to continue our spiritual growth, it is incumbent upon us to be intentional in our spiritual education, formation and direction. To that end, it is the policy of the FEC clergy that each us engage in a minimum of 40 hours per year in continuing education. Just as each of us is different from one another in gifts, personality type and spiritual styles, so will our courses of instruction be different.
The following is an exemplary rather than exhaustive list of opportunities that would fulfill these requirements: 1. Workshops or seminars that would enrich our ministries. 2. Private or guided retreats. 3. A course of theological / spiritual reading. 4. The design and preparation for a course that is presented publicly (e.g. within our respective communities or at Synod) 5. Publication of articles (formally or on the FEC or other websites as appropriate) 6. Any course of study which leads to a certification for ministry
If at any time the clergy feel they need guidance on a particular course of action in regard to this policy, the Presiding Bishop would be happy to provide direction.