Parental Leave Policy

A member of the clergy or full-time lay employee who has been employed by the church for at least one full year and is the designated “primary child-care parent” is entitled to leave for the birth or adoption of a child for a minimum of eight weeks with pay. Up to eight additional weeks may be taken without pay. The member of the clergy or full-time lay employee may elect to use vacation leave or sick leave during this latter period.

Coverage under benefits will continue during Parental Leave as set by Letters of Agreement, such as, but not limited to health insurance.

A member of the clergy or full-time lay employee who has been employed by the church for at least one full year and is the “non-primary-care parent” is entitled to leave for the birth or adoption of a child for a minimum of two weeks with pay and up to ten additional weeks without pay.

A member of the clergy or full-time lay employee employed by the church for less than one full year is entitled to the same number of weeks leave. Pay during this period is negotiated between the church and the member of the clergy or full-time lay employee.

Upon return from Parental Leave, an employee will be restored to his or her prior position, or to a position with equivalent pay, benefits, and other terms and conditions of employment, provided that an employee has no greater right to reinstatement or to other benefits and conditions of employment than if the employee had been continuously employed during Leave period, such as, but not limited to lay-off, re-structuring or conduct subject to disciplinary action.