Requests--A Work in Progress
Your CABF Executive, Council and Committees have been receiving requests for information, advice or assistance--everything from information on CABF and perhaps joining the Association, becomming ordained or getting CABF accreditation, to advice on sources for obtaining pension and benefits coverage for pastors and church staff and assistance with dealing with divisive issues.
We are working to put together a variety of resources and resource people to assist with these requests.
One of the first initiatives is to create this new web page as a clearing house for all matters relating to Member Services. It will be updated with new information as resources become available, and will provide information that will assist in finding the answer to your question or assistance with your request.
If you have a question or wish assistance that is not covered by the items listed below, contact the CABF Council by clicking on the Council button on the "Contact Us" menu to the right of this page and your request will be routed to the person or committee most able to help.
History and Structure of CABF
Much of the background information you may be interested in learning about CABF can be found on this webstite. The "About CABF" header at the top of the page includes pull-down menu items which link to information about CABF's History, Objectives, Covenant, and Strategic Framework. There is also a list of Member Churches with contact information for each, brief bios and photos of the members of the CABF Executive and Council, and a list of the membership on CABF Committees.
The "Documents" header includes a pull down tab for Constitution and Policies which includes hot links to the Association Memorandum of Association and By-Law #3. It also has a hot link to the CABF Policy and Procedures Manual which has a narrative introduction in the first few pages, followed by detail on the organizational structure and Terms of Reference for all the CABF Committees. Hot links to other related documentation are also provided.
Clergy Accreditation and Policies
The "Accreditation" header has a pull down menue for all the matters related to pastoral education and qualifications, preparation for ordination, accreditation (including application forms), discipline, and contact information.
Pension and Benefits Packages for Pastors and Staff
CABF is actively investigating what options are available. The hot linked document provides what information we have now and as more information becomes available, this document will be updated.
CABF, with its totally voluntary leadership, is not in the position to become an agent or program manager or benefits coordinator for any of the available plans. We are, however, able to provide the following basic information that will assist Member Churches and Pastors to get in touch with providers of the benefit elements.
In response to questions being asked about pension and benefits packages for pastors and other church staff, chaplains, etc., the CABF Council is providing the following information, which it is hoped will be helpful to churches exploring their options.
Topics include:
1. Background
2 "Church" vs. "Organization"
3. Salary vs. Contract Service
4. Clergy Residence Deduction
5. Statutory Benefits, including Employment Insurance, Canada Pension Plan, Statutory Holidays and Vacation.
6. Additional Benefits
7. Pension
8. Health Insurance, Short and Long Term Disability, Dental, Vision, Empoyhee Assistance Plans, etc.
The four page document covering these topics is available here.
Church Incorporation
It is important for CABF Member Churches to be incorporated. This is best done in the jurisduction in which the church is located by using legislation that is designed specifically for incorporating charities, associations or non-profit organizations. The name of the specific Act will vary by jurisdiction, including Societies Act and Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, or even a Companies Act. The government website in your jurisdiction will incate which legislation should be used and the process for making application to become incorporated.
It is advisable not to use legislation, such as the NS Religious Congregations and Societies Act, that results in the Church remaining unincorporated, at the Trustees of the church property will still be subject to lawsuit, and individual members of the congregation may be liable for any finacial shortfall.
If you need to speak to someone about incorporation, contact the Constitution Chair This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Publications
The "Publications" header provides a link to the most recent edition of The Bulletin and links to all the archived issues back to 1973.
Events
CABF has an Events Calendar, which includes CABF Events, such as our Annual General Meeting, Annual Assembly, Rushton Lecture, Webinars and Cross Canada Conferences. It is also possible for Member Churches to add their events.
This pull down menu under this header also includes access to hot links to many previous events, including videos of a number of presentations.
Further Help
If you have a question or wish assistance that is not covered by the items listed above and for which the linked items on this website do not provide the support needed, contact the CABF Council by clicking on the Council button on the "Contact Us" menu to the right of this page and your request will be routed to the person or committee most able to help.