Congregational leaders, whether they are clergy or lay people, need a sometimes bewildering array of forms and resources including grant guidelines and applications, handy lists (like the contact information for supply clergy), specialized legal documents, parochial report forms and information for promoting congregational events and auditing congregational finances, among other things. Many of those resources can be found under the headings below.
Each church has a responsibility under Rhode Island law and has a moral responsibility of not encouraging excessive use of alcohol. The serving of alcoholic beverages at church functions must be limited and closely controlled as follows:
1. Care will be exercised by the congregation or sponsoring group to ensure that all alcohol usage on the church or diocesan premises is in accordance with appropriate state and local laws and ordinances, including:
a. require proper identification as defined in Title 3 for all individuals who appear to look thirty (30) years old or younger who order alcoholic beverages (acceptable IDs are any state driver’s license, a Rhode Island state ID card, a military card and a passport)
b. not serve more than two (2) drinks at a time;
c. not serve shots or triple alcoholic drinks;
d. not serve visibly intoxicated individuals;
e. not serve alcoholic beverages for more than a five (5) hour period per event;
a. only allow a licensee, and/or its agents and employees to serve alcoholic beverages at an event (obtain and file a copy of their license and liability insurance in advance of the event);
f. require that a licensed vendor deliver and remove all alcohol and that the bartender employed by the licensee be certified by a nationally recognized alcoholic beverage server-training program
These apply whether alcohol is served by the church or an organization related to the church or is a BYOB (bring your own bottle) event.
2. Any and all necessary and reasonable precautions shall be taken to supervise alcohol usage to insure that no individual is over served and that no individual under the legal drinking age is served. Dram shop laws apply in Rhode Island meaning that the server and/or the licensee who sells or serves alcohol to a minor or to an already intoxicated person may be held responsible for any damage or injuries that the person may cause as a result of consuming alcohol.
3. Any event where alcohol is served will discontinue service at least 30 minutes before the end of the event to ensure that attendees do not drink and drive. Due diligence will be observed to prevent anyone who appears impaired from driving.
4. Alcohol usage will be supervised by the group hosting the event in consultation with the priest-in-charge and Vestry or Bishop’s Committee.
5. No alcohol may be served at any youth or youth sponsored event. All events with youth in attendance must communicate the “no alcohol or drugs” policy to all attendees and take appropriate precautions to ensure that two unrelated adults are always present and attentive in all rooms and outdoor sites where youth might obtain or consume alcohol they find on the premises or bring with them.
a. The Diocese of Rhode Island, Policies for the Protection of Children and Youth (January 1, 2007) states: “Behavioral Standards. For all programs and activities for children and youth, prohibit (i) issuance to children or youth of non-sacramental alcohol, illegal drugs or pornography, (ii) consumption of non-sacramental alcohol or illegal drugs or misuse legal drugs, (iii) participation of any adult who is under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs or misusing legal drugs (iv) illegal behavior of any type at any activity for children or youth (v) participation by an adult in any sexual, romantic, illicit or secretive relationship or conduct with any children or youth, (vi) discussion of sexual activities or fantasies, unless in the context of an approved program or the sacrament of confession, (vii) corporal punishment, (viii) smoking and (ix) firearms or other concealed weapons.”
6. It is advisable to lock up the communion wine and not store any alcoholic beverage on the premises before or after an event and take steps to make sure that no youth have access to the sacristy keys.
7. When alcohol is served, food and an equally attractive and accessible non-alcoholic beverage will be provided. “Equally attractive” generally means something “festive” rather than merely a beverage that is not alcoholic.
8. Whenever there is a charge for an event where alcohol is served, the fee for the event generally will include the cost of all beverages. The sale of individual drinks or tickets for drinks are not permitted under Rhode Island law unless you have a license. In most cases the license will be a Class F (one time license) which has a minor fee – regulations and fees vary by location so check your local town or city license agency for details.
a. Class F license. – A retailer’s Class F license authorizes the holder of the license to keep for sale and to sell malt and vinous beverages on the premises, described in the license, at retail for consumption on the premises where sold for a period of nineteen (19) hours, including Sunday. The license may be issued to religious organizations, state non-business corporations and political organizations only and the sale of malt and vinous beverages may take place between the hours of six o’clock (6:00) a.m. and one o’clock (1:00) a.m. on the following day.
9. Outside groups hosting an event must receive the approval of the priest-in-charge to serve alcohol and must agree, in writing, to observe all state laws and the norms in this policy.
10. Any outside group or group advertising to the public that serves alcohol on church premises will be required to obtain an event rider from an insurance company that lists the church as a named insured. An outside group is defined as any group not directly sponsored by the church. Advertising to the public is defined as publicity through radio, newspaper, television, website, email, social media or signage to induce the public to attend the event.
11. Each Vestry or Bishop’s Committee is urged to develop and publicize church guidelines for use of alcohol on church property. This policy can be used as a template that can be adapted for local use.
Things to remember:
- Any driver who is chemically tested and returns a blood-alcohol content level that is .08 percent or more is considered ‘per se intoxicated.
- If a driver has a chemical test showing a BAC level that is .15 percent or more over the legal limit, that driver is subject to more severe punishment by the courts.
- ‘Zero tolerance laws’ mean that a driver under 21 years of age will face DUI penalties even if the chemical test indicates the driver has only a .02 percent BAC level.
- Adults who are present when youth drink may be liable to prosecution even if they did not provide or serve the alcohol. Adults supervising youth must exercise vigilance to ensure that alcohol and drugs are not being used—especially in areas outside of the main activity area.
- Any person over the age of eighteen (18) who is convicted of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, other drugs, or a combination of these, while a child under the age of thirteen (13) years was present as a passenger in the motor vehicle when the offense was committed may be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not more than one year and further shall not be entitled to the benefit of suspension or deferment of this sentence.
Adopted Diocesan Council
September 11, 2013
[Downloadable PDF: ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE POLICY ]
The Episcopal Church’s Alcohol Policy
Resolved, That the 78th General Convention acknowledge The Episcopal Church’s long-standing tolerance for the use of alcohol which, in some cases, has contributed to its misuse, and has undermined a climate of wholeness and holiness for all; that our Church culture too often avoids hard conversations about alcohol use, and the role of forgiveness and compassion in healing and recovery; and that The Episcopal Church now commits to create a new normal in our relationship with alcohol. We aspire to be a place in which conversations about alcohol, substance misuse, or addiction are not simply about treatment but about renewal, justice, wholeness, and healing. We affirm that Recovery Ministries of The Episcopal Church has long been and continues to be a valuable resource for this work; and be it further
Resolved, That the 78th Convention adopt the following policy on alcohol and other substance misuse and encourage dioceses, congregations, seminaries, schools, young adult ministries, and affiliated institutions to update their policies on the use of alcohol and other substances with the potential for misuse. These policies should consider the following:
1. The Church must provide a safe and welcoming environment for all people, including people in recovery.
2. All applicable federal, state and local laws should be obeyed, including those governing the serving of alcoholic beverages to minors.
3. Some dioceses and congregations may decide not to serve alcohol at events or gatherings. Others may decide to permit a limited use of alcoholic beverages at church-sponsored events. Both can be appropriate if approached mindfully.
4. When alcohol is served, it must be monitored and those showing signs of intoxication must not be served. Whenever alcohol is served, the rector, vicar, or priest-in-charge must appoint an adult to oversee its serving. That adult must not drink alcoholic beverages during the time of his or her execution of his or her responsibilities. If hard liquor is served, a certified server is required.
5. Serving alcoholic beverages at congregational events where minors are present is strongly discouraged. If minors are present, alcohol must be served at a separate station that is monitored at all times to prevent underage drinking.
6. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages must be clearly labeled as such. Food prepared with alcohol does not need to be labeled provided the alcohol is completely evaporated by the cooking process; however, it is recommended that even in this case the use of alcohol in cooking be noted on a label.
7. Whenever alcohol is served, appealing non-alcoholic alternatives must always be offered with equal prominence and accessibility.
8. The serving of alcoholic beverages at church events should not be publicized as an attraction of the event, e.g. “wine and cheese reception,” “cocktail party,” and “beer and wine tasting.”
9. Ministries inside or outside of congregations will make certain that alcohol consumption is not the focus of the ministry and that drinking alcohol is not an exclusively normative activity.
10. Food must be served when alcohol is present.
11. The groups or organizations sponsoring the activity or event at which alcoholic beverages are served must have permission from the clergy or the vestry. Such groups or organizations must also assume responsibility for those persons who might become intoxicated and must provide alternative transportation for anyone whose capacity to drive may be impaired. Consulting with liability insurance carriers is advised.
12. Recognizing the effects of alcohol as a mood-altering drug, alcoholic beverages shall not be served when the business of the Church is being conducted.
13. Clergy shall consecrate an appropriate amount of wine when celebrating the Eucharist and perform ablutions in a way that does not foster or model misuse.
14. We encourage clergy to acknowledge the efficacy of receiving the sacrament in one kind and consider providing non-alcoholic wine.; and be it further
Resolved, That, mindful of the emerging legalization of other addictive substances and the increasing rise of addiction, the Executive Council of The Episcopal Church provide for the ready availability, implementation, and continuing development of this policy church-wide, in consultation and coordination with Recovery Ministries of The Episcopal Church.
Adopted by the General Convention in 2015
Each congregation’s annual audit must be submitted to the diocesan Finance Office each year by September 1.
Here are the necessary forms:
Churches are not required to pay an audit firm to conduct an audit. We encourage you to “swap” members of your church with a neighboring church to form audit teams of about four members with both members of your church and of another church. Audit teams should familiar with the Manual of Business Methods in Church Affairs (2019 Edition).
For assistance or more information contact the Diocesan Finance Director, Joan DeCelles (401-274-4500)
Please contact the Bishop’s office for referrals to area attorneys for assistance with short-term use agreements.
By-Laws are developed by each congregation and approved by the Standing Committee. In working towards having a standardized template that all churches of the diocese use, we offer three documents to assist you in your review and update of your by-laws: the Revised By-laws Template, Steps for By-laws Changes and a By-laws Checklist. We ask you to use these documents as a guide as you move forward in this important process.
Technically a church doesn’t have by-laws because it isn’t an independent corporation — all churches are held in trust for the Episcopal Church as a whole and are subject to the Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church in general and of their diocese in particular.
Copyright Guidelines for Churches
Churches can and are sued for copyright violations. Therefore, it is important for church leaders to be aware of and observe copyright regulations. This guide is a quick summary of the use of copyright materials in an educational context. Note, this does NOT include public worship where you must get permission before using music or printing lyrics. “Fair use” allows one to quote from a work (such as the quote above) or use portions of a work in certain contexts.
One other note: copyright law is filled with grey areas. It is not always clear what is permitted or prohibited until someone wins or loses a legal case. As the U.S. Copyright Office website says: “Under the fair use doctrine of the U.S. copyright statute, it is permissible to use limited portions of a work including quotes, for purposes such as commentary, criticism, news reporting, and scholarly reports. There are no legal rules permitting the use of a specific number of words, a certain number of musical notes, or percentage of a work. Whether a particular use qualifies as fair use depends on all the circumstances.”
According to the Copyright Office, there are “fair use” purposes: “for the reproduction of a particular work may be considered fair, such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research.” It identifies four factors to be considered in determining whether or not a particular use is fair:
1. The purpose and character of the use, including whether such use is of commercial nature or is for nonprofit educational purposes
2. The nature of the copyrighted work
3. The amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole
4. The effect of the use upon the potential market for, or value of, the copyrighted work
The goal of a church should be to avoid those practices that are clear violations and seek to follow practices that are clearly appropriate or at least “defensible.” That doesn’t mean you won’t be sued, but it means you have a reasonable defense if you have been consistently careful.
DOWNLOAD Copyright Guidelines for Churches.
Photo Release Template
Before a picture is included in your newsletter, added to your church’s website or posted on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, etc., what should church leaders be aware of?
There are two issues involved when it comes to pictures and video. The first one is ownership of intellectual property and the second is right to privacy.
Who Owns That Picture?
When someone takes a picture (or video), they own those images or video. However, if they are a paid employee of your church or the diocese and take pictures or shoot a video while they are working, the church owns their work and the copyright to it. This is because it is considered a work made for hire.
(Note: This applies to other intellectual property such as sermons, articles in the newsletter, meditations, etc.)
If you recruit a volunteer to take pictures for the church and you want to use the pictures (or video) you can either ask them to sign an agreement ahead of time giving the rights to the church or just giving the church permission to use the image. The advantage to getting the full rights is you control the image and it prevents the photographer from coming back later and asking for payment or saying you can’t use their image in the way you want to. You would usually give them the right to use it for personal use, but not for any other use. If the volunteer photographer retains the right to their image and gives the church the right to use it, you might find the same image being used by the volunteer in a way that reflects badly on the church. So you at least will want the volunteer to let you know ahead of time so you can plan accordingly.
The Right to Privacy
The second issue regarding your church using pictures and videos is the right to privacy. Generally consent must be given before someone’s image can be published or broadcast. The only exception is when an image they appear in can be considered news or in a public “crowd” (such as a worship service). If you publish that picture of a cute kid and didn’t get the child’s parent to sign a photo release, you could be sued by that child’s parent. Be especially careful around foster children (who are protected by law) and visitors (who are more likely to be offended by showing up in one of your church photos than a member might be).
The need for a photo release applies to employees and volunteers — even if that volunteer photographer took the photo and didn’t sign the copyright over to the church. The church is liable because the employee or volunteer was serving as an agent of the church. And that employee or volunteer could also be personally liable for invasion of privacy.
When Others Post Pictures Online
What if someone who is not serving as a volunteer of the church happens to take pictures of children at your church and posts them on their Facebook page? Unlike church employees or volunteers, they are not an agent of the church, and they own their images. So, the church has no legal say in how the pictures can be used and isn’t liable.
A Simple Precaution
One simple precaution to take around children is to make sure you never post a picture of a child with a nametag. Doing so provides a child molester with an advantage as they can call the child by name (even if they just recognize them from the picture) which makes them feel more familiar and safe, increasing the likelihood that a child will follow their directions. If you are in a situation where the children might be photographed by others, avoid giving them nametags to help mitigate this danger.
Use Photo Releases Regularly
Many churches have parents sign a photo release when they register their child for Sunday School or VBS. Another good time is if your church is doing a photo directory — have everyone sign general releases at that time. But again, as a precaution, don’t post your photo directory (or even your printed directory with names and addresses) online and don’t have copies available at the back of the church. Pass them out to members and not to strangers.
DOWNLOAD a Photo Release TEMPLATE
Publicizing Parish Events
The best way to publicize your parish’s events is in your local community.
Develop relationships with the community-news editors of your local newspaper, make sure you create and promote posts on social media (you might use Facebook, Eventbrite or MeetUp, depending on which is used most among your target attendees), and use word of mouth and post flyers.
If you create a Facebook post or Event, or a public Eventbrite event, or a single blog or website post about your event, and send a link to pressroom@episcopalri.org , we will share it on the diocesan Facebook feed as the date of the event draws near, to amplify the publicity you’re already doing.
The diocesan e-news is not a good vehicle for publicizing parish events, because the most effective publicity is local.
In order to keep its length somewhat under control, the diocesan e-news is reserved for events sponsored by diocesan-level or regional-level ministries, or feature stories about programs parishes may wish to emulate.
Sharing Facebook posts already created and posted by parishes is how we publicize parish events on the diocesan level.
Diocesan Logo
The diocesan logo can be used by congregations which may also wish to use the colors in their communications. PMS 300 and 299 are the identification colors for Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island. The following guide gives more detailed information:
DOWNLOAD the Logo Use Guidelines
The diocesan logo (right click to download or open in another tab)
The Congregational Development Commission (CDC) provides funds for programs that strengthen congregations, especially those that are field testing new programs/initiatives on behalf of the diocese, done in partnership with other churches, or are part of a plan to spur significant growth, expand ministry, etc. CDC meets on the first Tuesday of every month.
Mustard Seed or Vineyard Grants
The CDC announces an ongoing grant program available to all congregations in Rhode Island. Do you envision a program or new ministry to help develop your congregation into a more faithful and vibrant expression of the Body of Christ? Do you have plans for making your congregation more responsive to the local challenges and opportunities before you in your community? How about ideas for transformative collaborations with other congregations that fit with your unique mission or vision for ministry? CDC Mustard Seed or Vineyard grants offer your congregation the financial support to put your vision into action.
Apply now for a Mustard Seed or Vineyard grant.
Mustard Seed grants are for proposals up to $2000. These grants can be approved immediately by the CDC at its monthly meetings.
Vineyard grants are proposals over $2000 and require both CDC and Diocesan Council approval. The application review and approval time for the Vineyard grants is two-three months.
Application Process:
The link above will take you to (a Wufoo) form which will serve as your application. You will be asked to upload an income statement. The application and your statement will be reviewed by the Grants and Loans Committee and if applicable forwarded to CDC and then if over $2,000.00 the grant request will be forwarded to Diocesan Council. You may be asked for additional information before a decision can be made. Grants and Loans Committee meets every Monday. CDC meets on the first Tuesday of every month. Diocesan Council meets on the fourth Wednesday of every month.
Church Information Form
The Church Information Form lets the bishop and diocesan leaders know who to communicate with about important events, forms and resources they need to carry out their responsibilities in your church.
Click here to fill in the online Church Information Form.
Please look over the form and assemble all the requested information before beginning, as you cannot save a partially-completed form to come back to complete later.
Please complete the form below after your 2025 Annual Meeting.
Click here to complete your 2025 Delegate Form
Parochial Reports
Each year our churches are required to file their annual Parochial Report forms with both the national church and with the Diocesan offices. The Diocese also requires additional reports on endowed funds, church leadership, and a copy of the reports presented at the congregation’s Annual Meeting.
The annual Parochial Report with the national church is filed on-line. Detailed instructions and worksheets are available on the Church Center’s Parochial Reports page. (Complete on line and submit)
If you need the log in for your congregation, please contact Joan DeCelles at the Diocesan office. If you cannot remember your password, click “I Forgot My Password” and follow the prompts.
Parochial Reports must be filed on-line by March 1. Printed copies should be made for church records and for the Diocese. By January of each year, every congregation will receive a notice with a list of materials to be sent to the Diocese along with instructions on how to access the on-line forms.
Diocesan Annual Financial Reports
2025 Annual Report Cover Letter
2025 Supplemental Operating Income Form
2027 Congregational Support Calculation
2025 Operating Income Guidelines
Procedures for requesting Congregational Support/Apportionment Relief
Supply Clergy
The clergy listed here have indicated their availability for short-term supply work in RI churches. The current requirements for compensation, can be found here as well:
Want to invite a priest who is not on this list?
Want to add your name to this list?
Contact Kristin Knudson
On an emergency-only basis: If you need a priest at the last minute, please call the Diocesan House at 401-274-4500 (during office hours 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday) or Mary Ann Mello, (401-864-6612) or Canon Cleaver-Bartholomew (401-480-8651) at other times.
Covenant of Departure
The departure of clergy often generates sadness and a sense of loss for all involved. Both the departing clergy and the people to whom they ministered, however, are called to engage in new faith journeys that will generate opportunities for healthy relationships and spiritual growth. The diocese offers this covenant to encourage a healthy future for the congregation and the departing clergy and their family.
The Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island Cycle of Prayer – Advent 2025 through Pentecost 2026
Is your congregation prepared in the event of an emergency? If a devastating storm hits, or there is an outbreak of something like the coronavirus, what will you do?
Points to consider:
- Get your contact lists up to date! You will need to use your congregation’s lists – mail/email/phone/etc, to keep in touch with people. Consider setting up a phone tree, so that those who are not online are not cut off. The Diocese would very much like to have your lists as well, so that we are in a position to be helpful in reaching out to those affected.
- Check with your local Emergency Managers to see if they might need any assistance, and to get yourself in the informational loop. Your buildings might not qualify as emergency shelters, but there are other things that could be of service such as storing emergency food stores, serving as cell phone charging stations for area residents, being a water distribution point, etc. http://www.riema.ri.gov//resources/emergencymanager/response/local.php
- Consider how to worship. Can any of the Daily Offices be led via Facebook Live, or a YouTube channel? This is a very helpful video explaining how to get your service on Facebook.
- Consider how to keep the business of your congregation running. Is telecommuting possible? Is online bill paying set up? Online pledging? Do your parishioners know they can arrange auto-payments from their bank?
- How do you stay in touch? There are number of ways to continue holding meetings, checking in, even worshiping. Zoom, Google Hangouts, Microsoft Teams, Facebook Live, YouTube
- If you are taking infection control steps during services (‘hands-off” during the peace, communion in one kind, etc) you must communicate this. Place a note in the bulletin, make an announcement at the start of the service, post to your website, put a note in your weekly email.
- Encourage your congregants to be prepared for an emergency. (Always a good idea.) Bottled water, non-perishable foods, and a sufficient supply of necessary medications should be on hand when emergency strikes.
Grants and Loans
All Grants and Loans applications are reviewed through the Grants and Loans Committee to determine which commission should consider and process the application. Once an application has been reviewed by Grants and Loans Committee, the application is forwarded to the recommended commission to be considered and processed for funding through the Diocesan Resource Fund, Congregational Development Commission, a Revolving Loan, or a combination thereof. The recommended funding source may have their own application with questions that pertain to that specific funding source and may ask for the same information or updated information. In most cases, applications also must be presented to Diocesan Council for approval.
The Grants and Loans committee the first Monday of every month. The Congregational Development Commission meets the first Tuesday of every month. The Commission on Finance meets on the second Thursday of every month. Diocesan Council meets on the fourth Wednesday of every month. Standing Committee meets on the Third Tuesday of every month. Please plan accordingly, to approve Grants and Loans, Diocesan committees have several steps to go through before making decisions and dispersing funds. Email: grantsloans@episcopalri.org with questions only.
There is one basic application form for all Diocesan funded Grants and Loans. Again, the recommended funding source may have their own application with questions that pertain to that specific funding source and may ask for the same information or updated information.
What You’ll Need Before Completing Your Grant or Loan Application
Description of Your Request
Please include a brief narrative that explains:
- How the grant or loan funds will be used
- How this project will benefit your congregation
- Whether your congregation is contributing financially, and if so, the percentage of the total cost
- The outcome you hope to achieve with this project
Required Supporting Documents
You will also need to submit the following:
- A detailed project budget, including any funding from a capital campaign or the church budget
- Multiple quotes or receipts, if applicable
- If only one quote is available, please include a brief explanation (for example, an emergency repair or use of a long‑trusted vendor)
- Your most recent 12‑month Profit and Loss Statement (also called an Income Statement)
Click here to complete the Grant or Loan Application online.
Diocesan Grants and Loans
Diocesan Resource Fund Grant:
The Diocesan Resource fund is a grant source for congregations in the diocese. Applications that the CoF recommends for approval will be considered by Diocesan Council for final approval. Applications up to $20,000 will be considered with the documented financial need of the congregation. Projects over and above $20,000 may be eligible for consideration by the Revolving Loan Fund, and you will receive a recommendation to apply if the Commission deems it appropriate. Churches will receive no more than one grant per calendar year.
Congregational Development Commission
Provides funds for programs that strengthen congregations, especially those that are field testing new programs/initiatives on behalf of the diocese, done in partnership with other church or are part of a plan to spur significant growth, expand ministry, etc. Complete the application above. Read more about the Congregational Development Commission.
Revolving Loan Fund
Loans are available to congregations in this Diocese that are planning capital improvement projects. Policies are found here. Complete the application above.
Episcopal Charities
Provides funds for outreach and service ministries in Rhode Island
Juliette M. Mudrak Fund:
To fund ministry to deaf persons. Canonically resident non-retired clergy in need of financial assistance for hearing aids are eligible. Complete the application above.
Grants, Episcopal Church
- United Thank Offering — provides grants related to each year’s theme. Check their website to see if your project fits this year’s theme. Each bishop can submit one grant for his/her diocese. They also offer five seminarian and five young adult ministry grants.
- Episcopal Church Scholarships — The Episcopal Church offers educational scholarships to students ranging from K-12 to continuing education.
- Young Adult and Campus Ministry Grants — These grants are intended to provide funding for an Episcopal ministry (or ecumenical ministry with an Episcopal presence) in a diocese, congregation, or college/university that is currently engaging in or seeking a new relationship with young adults on and off college campuses.
- The Genesis Advisory Group of the Episcopal Church is still receiving grant applications for mission enterprise zones and developing church plants which had received funding in the last triennium for a mission enterprise zone or discernment grant for those working to clarify and develop a church plant. There are four different grant applications – each for a different kind of mission planting endeavor:
- An application for Mission Enterprise Zones
An application for Church Plants
An application for Hybrid Ministries
An application for a Discernment Grant
- An application for Mission Enterprise Zones
Grants, Rhode Island
Basic Human Needs Grants by the RI Foundation help community-based agencies (including churches) provide emergency assistance to Rhode Islanders in need. Food assistance requires membership in the RI Food Bank and all require maintaining records on the number of recipients, assistance provided, etc.
Black Philanthropy Bannister Fund by the RI Foundation supports youth development and mentoring for Black youth and the promotion of the history, achievements, and culture of the Black community. In 2018, The Church of St. John the Evangelist in Newport received a Bannister grant for the Choir School of Newport.
Equity Action by the RI Foundation is committed to enacting social change by championing initiatives and organizations that encourage justice for, provide support to, and improve the quality of life of LGBTQ Rhode Islanders.
Grant Shelburne Fund – grants to nonprofit organizations that provide basic human needs including food, shelter and healthcare to underserved populations in Rhode Island.
Champlin Foundation – provides capital improvement grants to churches up to $50,000
Other Grants
National Fund for Sacred Places – A program of Partners for Sacred Places in collaboration with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the National Fund for Sacred Places provides financial and technical support for community-serving historic houses of worship across America.
Diocesan Investment Trust (DIT)
The following documents provide information about the DIT funds:
Fiduciary Responsibility Checklist
This checklist itemizes the practices that the vestry or Bishop’s Committee of a church are responsible for overseeing to ensure that the congregation’s finances are managed in compliance with federal law, church canons, and diocesan expectations. The officers (Priest, Sr. Warden, Treasurer and Clerk) are legally required under the federal Sarbanes-Oxley law to adhere to these practices. The rector/vicar of the parish is also responsible for ensuring compliance, under the requirements of Title IV of the Canons of the Episcopal Church.
Download the Fiduciary Responsibility Checklist
Equal Opportunity Template
This language is offered as a template for parish policies
XYZ Church is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability or veteran status. XYZ Church’s policy regarding equal employment opportunity applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, job assignments, promotions, working conditions, scheduling, benefits, wage and salary administration, disciplinary action, termination, and social, educational and recreational programs. Except where the position could affect or relate to the religious principles or doctrines of the Episcopal Church, parishes will adhere to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to religious beliefs. XYZ Church will not tolerate any form of discrimination and the expectation is that all employees will cooperate fully in implementing this policy. If an employee believes there has been a violation of the policies on discrimination, immediate reporting to the Rector and/or appropriate person at XYZ Church is necessary.
Adapt for your parish
Employee Manuals
It is helpful for congregations to have an employee manual that spells out the church’s policies, benefits, etc. The following are provided as examples you can use to develop one for your church.
Please be aware that whatever you put into a manual establishes your legal obligations. So it if you are, for example, generous and always give employees the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day “off,” it is better to do that each year as a “gift” and not include it in your manual. If you put it in your manual, you are obligated to close the office that week — even if it turns out, five years from now, that you really need your staff to be present. So a manual is a place for the rules. Provide exceptions to the rules (bonuses, extra days off, etc.) on a case-by-case basis.
It is also helpful to have an employment lawyer or at least someone who works in Human Resources review the manual before you publish it. Call the diocese if you need recommendations for who might do this for you if your congregation has no one with that experience.
The Episcopal Church and the Diocese of Rhode Island recognize the potential for harm when a priest, lay employee or volunteer engages in sexual exploitation, harassment or abuse in one of our churches or institutions. Thus, we, like most Episcopal dioceses, offer training and resources that include suggestions for safe ways of interacting with children, youth and adults in the church.
Safe Church Policies & Training
All persons in Rhode Island are required by law (RIGL 40-11-3) to report known or suspected
cases of child abuse and/or neglect to the Department within 24 hours of becoming aware of such
abuse/neglect. Reports of abuse and neglect originate from several sources including the public,
courts, hospitals, police departments, parents, and relatives as well as other sources.
Stewardship Resources
Project Resource
What is Project Resource? www.project-resource.org
Giving of oneself financially unlocks a part of our hearts where God can do incredible work, both in us and through us. As part of our baptismal covenant, we believe we are called to reconcile ourselves to one another and to God. Fundraising is not a means to an end. Rather, fundraising as ministry is a radical act of reconciliation; a process that can both draw the giver closer to God and repair an unjust world. Project Resource provides the tools to inspire radical generosity and engage faith communities in this life-changing work. Join us on the journey of changing a culture of stewardship in The Episcopal Church.
Project Resource is an initiative:
- adapted to enable an entirely new culture in all aspects of financial development: spiritual, organizational, and managerial.
- designed to train leaders how to return to their diocese to lead others within the diocese’s culture, geography, and cultural realities as they develop leaders and raise money.
- configured to teach effective use of model documents archived online for easy teaching access.
TENS – The Episcopal Stewardship Network.
Password for 2026 Campaign “The Plenty Good Room” : Matthew22:4
In God’s house there is always room for more: more ideas, more people, more ways to share, more stories to tell. And in the world that God created, there is more needed: more love, more connection, more peace, more creativity. Plenty Good Room reminds us that there is always room in God’s house; we just need to make ourselves at home and invite others to join us. The ways we steward our relationships, resources, and responses to grow ministry and serve our neighbors are the ways we connect our gratitude to our generosity. There’s Plenty Good Room in God’s House; pull up a chair and sit down.
The Plenty Good Room / Invitados a la mesa is based on Year A in the lectionary cycle and is for the Church Year Advent 2025 – Christ the King 2026. All materials are in English and in Spanish and available in .pdf and .docx. The materials include:
- Seasonal Reflections – Advent 2025 through Christ the King 2026
- Campaign Materials:
- Timeline for a successful campaign
- Pledge cards
- Sample letters from Clergy, Wardens, and Campaign Chair
- Sample thank-you letters
- Prayers of the people and other liturgical resources
- Testimonial Scripts (*new this year)
- Small-Group Study Guide (*new this year)
- Youth/Family Stewardship Activities (*new this year)
- Logos and artwork
- Ten Weekly Reflections for your campaign (These are released in May 2026)
For Gifts of Marketable Securities (Stocks or Bonds)
Information coming soon
Supply Clergy
The clergy listed here have indicated their availability for short-term supply work in RI churches. The current requirements for compensation, can be found here as well:
Want to invite a priest who is not on this list?
Want to add your name to this list?
Contact Kristin Knudson
On an emergency-only basis: If you need a priest at the last minute, please call the Diocesan House at 401-274-4500 (during office hours 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday) or Mary Ann Mello, (401-864-6612) or Canon Cleaver-Bartholomew (401-480-8651) at other times.
