Priesthood Status

What is Emeritus and what does it mean for ministry?

Emeritus

The emeritus category (previously termed superannuation) recognizes and honours long and faithful service curtailed by health or age-related conditions.

Emeritus status releases a priesthood member from many of the responsibilities and expectations of sacramental ministry, and public ministry. However, a priesthood member emeritus occasionally may participate in public or sacramental ministry with prior approval of the supervising minister.

A priesthood member emeritus retains his or her priesthood certificate. When an emeritus status is approved, nothing changes regarding membership or discipleship responsibilities, and ministry by the individual can still be provided in many other ways, just as all members can provide ministry.

This category is requested, in writing by the priesthood member and approved by the administrative supervising officer.

This could be as simple as “I would like to be moved into the emeritus category for my priesthood office of …., due to health reasons. Signed ‘priesthood member” and shared with the pastor of the congregation that one belongs to, or the mission centre president (if in the Australian General membership). The pastor would then forward this request to the MCP for consideration.

From: Community of Christ International Headquarters, Priesthood Status Categories, Effective September 1, 2019