NNECA History

 NNECA was founded in 1970 by a group of clergy from all over the United States who wanted to take responsibility for their ministeries and to support one another as colleagues.

         The National Network of Episcopal Clergy Associations seek, serve, and proclaim Christ by leading clergy in the Episcopal Church into collegial relationships for education, self-care, advocacy, and spiritual growth.

         Initially, local clergy associations had been formed on each coast. by 1998 over thirty associations spanned the United States. Representatives from each of these local associations and other individual members come together at NNECA's annual conference to elect officers and board members, and to make decisions about the direction of the organization. The board, led by the president, does the business of NNECA between conferences, particularly in its work with the Clergy Pension Group (CPG) and the National Church Ministry Cluster.

         NNECA also publishes Leaven, a newsletter which focuses on the concerns of clergy, how to enhance collegial relationships, and improve the effectiveness of our work in the church.

10 Things NNECA Has Pursued on Your Behalf

1. Reversed IRS Revenue Ruling 83-3 (which would have eliminated the clergy housing exclusion from taxable income).

2. Encouraged the creation and implementation of professional standards.

3. Held the Church Pension Fund accountable to its beneficiaries, and served as advocates for the retired clergy of the Church.

4. Initiated the Episcopal Elections Study.

5. Helped shape revision of the Ministry Canons.

6. Promoted adequate compensation/benefits for clergy.

7. Established a "high-quality" monthly professional journal - LEAVEN - for Episcopal Clergy.

8. Pressed for due process in clergy dissolutions.

9. Sponsored 30 consecutive annual conferences for clergy.

10. Advocated for important clergy Issues, including

Sabbaticals and Continuing Education

The Spiritual and Mental Health of Clergy and Their Families

Ministry Reviews and Accountability

Collegiality Amongst Clergy

Theology and the Theory and Practice of Ordained Ministry

In summary, if you ever expect to:

look for another position in the church

hope for a raise in compensation

experience times of stress and conflict

buy a house

plan to retire

care about who will be ordained

need a voice for your concerns...........then NNECA has already done and is still doing a whole lot for you !