Standing Commission on Clerical Compensation

Information for 2026

Recommendation to the 242nd Diocesan Convention requiring 3.75% COLA  for 2026.

With the recognition that our current cash compensation may not be equitable to our clergy, the SCCC made the decision to grant a higher COLA for 2026 while we study a long-term solution that will be just for clergy and attainable for parishes. The subcommittee will report to the 2026 convention along with any relevant recommendations. The Commission proposes to this Convention the following Clerical compensation levels for 2026:

  • A 3.75% Cost of Living Adjustment over the cleric’s 2025 Cash Stipend in 2026 if greater than or equal to Base Cash Stipend. The greater of either the COLA or YCS increase is mandatory. It can only be waived by approval of the Standing Commission on Clerical Compensation. Waivers must be submitted by the affected cleric along with the appropriate clergy compensation worksheet.
  • The SCCC reminds congregations that the COLA is a mandatory increase after it is approved by convention and any waiver of the COLA must be requested by the clergy and that request must be submitted to the SCCC prior to the beginning of the calendar year for the SCCC to review and make its decision guided by our canons.
  • The SCCC reminds all congregations that there are now two alternative mandatory minimum Cash Stipends, depending on whether the Parish or Mission provides housing pursuant to Canon 74.1.b.1 (“Minimum Salary without a Rectory”) or pursuant to Canon 74.1.b.2 (“Minimum Salary with a Rectory”). The COLA must be applied to the entire Cash Stipend.
  • Congregations are reminded that every congregation (including those in transition or without clergy) is required to submit by March 1 each year a report on the compensation for each cleric (including deacons) performing services for the congregation, using the reporting forms provided in the Compensation Guidelines section of the Diocesan website.
  • Vocational deacons under 72 years old, who are not subject to a higher level of compensation under a Letter of Agreement, must be compensated a minimum of $25/month to make them eligible for specific CPG benefits. Mandatory annual reporting of Deacon compensation is due by March 1. The report form for minimum compensation is found on the diocesan website here.

The SCCC’s mandate also includes setting policies for Supply Clergy Rates.

Supply Clergy minimum rates will increase in 2026 as follows:

  • $275 for one weekend service
  • $355 for two services
  • $435 for three services
  • $125 for a weekday service
  • $325 for each Holy Week Triduum service ($325 each for Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and The Great Vigil)
  • Easter Day services follow regular Sunday rates
  • $430-$650 negotiable for a wedding including preparation and rehearsal
  • $360 for a funeral including planning
  • Mileage at the then current IRS rate

To fulfill our mission in the Diocese, the SCCC has created the annual Clergy Compensation Report which details current year compensation and benefits as well as the projection for the subsequent year. New forms for this report are developed each year to incorporate any changes. See the sidebar for links to the new reports for Full-Time Clergy and for Part-Time Clergy. The worksheets must be completed and submitted in Excel format (they cannot be completed in Numbers format on Mac as formulas will not calculate properly). Paper or pdf copies will not be accepted.

PLEASE NOTE that a completed clergy compensation report is mandatory for all congregations and for each cleric serving, and is a required inclusion in the application for those mission churches seeking funding from the Board of Missions, and the application of any congregation seeking to meet with the Board of Consultation. The report must also be submitted to the Diocesan Benefits Administrator to update pension information with the Church Pension Group.

Questions on compensation matters can be emailed to the SCCC. In addition, ALL completed clergy compensation reports should be submitted as an email attachment to the SCCC.