D032 Raising the Clergy Mandatory Retirement Age to 75

Final Status: Concurred as Substituted and Amended

Resolved, That the 81st General Convention directs Executive Council to study clergy mandatory resignations upon reaching age 72, including, but not limited to:

  1. Identifying methods to assess the capacity of clergy to continue in ordained ministry regardless of age, recognizing that advances in health, well-being, and longevity mean that age may no longer be the overriding criterion for evaluating clergy effectiveness.
  2. Recommending whether the mandatory resignation age for our current and anticipated clergy population should be increased.
  3. Investigating and reporting on the range of financial vehicles available to clergy following mandatory resignation.
  4. Investigating the impacts on Church Pension Group (CPG) if the mandatory resignation age changes beyond 72.
  5. Investigating the impacts on CPG if pension contributions for clergy were to continue beyond 72. 
  6. Resolving ambiguities in language around mandatory retirements and resignations between the canons and CPG’s publications and policies.
  7. Investigating the impact on congregational vitality with aging clergy who are reluctant to let go of ministry beyond seasons of fruitfulness.