GC45 WF04: ECO01 Making Sabbaticals Easier for Summer 2025

A majority of discussion groups were in favour of the proposal moving forward allowing for ministers who have worked for five years to be entitled to sabbatical regardless of pastoral relations within the five-year period and additionally consider the creation of a sabbatical support fund.  

Some participants in discussion groups expressed concern about cost and suggested that the clause preventing sabbaticals from occurring within the first 18 months of a new pastoral relationship be changed to the first 36 months, however the majority of discussion groups were comfortable with the 18 months in the proposal. 

Therefore, the Way Forward Team proposes:  

That, in response to ECO01 Making Sabbaticals Easier, the 45th General Council, 2025,  

• Approve proposal ECO01 Making Sabbaticals Easier for Summer 2025, and: 

• direct the General Secretary to amend the sabbatical policy to allow for ministry personnel who have worked for five years to be entitled to sabbatical regardless of any changes in their pastoral relationships during that five-year period, and 

• Restrict the occurrence of a sabbatical within the first 18 months of a new pastoral relationship, and  

• Ensure that no pastoral change shall be financially responsible for more than one sabbatical in a five-year period, and 

• Direct the General Secretary to consider the formation of a sabbatical support fund for pastoral charges to contribute and access to cover expenses while a minister is on sabbatical