Retired clergy who wish to minister in the diocese must apply for Permission to Officiate (PTO). Such permission is normally granted for a period of three years in line with the DBS check and will only be granted upon completion of the required diocesan safeguarding training.
Those granted PTO are free to minister in any parish in the diocese at the invitation of the incumbent or Priest in Charge (or Churchwarden when in vacancy) subject to any restrictions on the PTO. Bishop John has oversight over clergy with permission to officiate in the diocese of Peterborough.
Applying for Permission to Officiate
If you wish to hold PTO in the diocese please be in touch with Bishop John . He will want to meet with you to discuss your request before you proceed to an application from. If you are new to the diocese, we will request a Clergy Current Status Letter (CCSL) and an Episcopal Reference from your current/previous Bishop and you will be invited to attend an entry interview. Bishop John's PA will be able to help guide you through all these steps, and they will also be clearly laid out in a letter you receive from Bishop John following your meeting with him.
Renewing Permission to Officiate
Permission to officiate is generally granted for a period of three years. If you are over 80 years old then PTO is only granted for one year at a time. +John's PA will be in touch with you to arrange a renewal in enough time to allow your PTO to be renewed without a break. If you have any concerns or questions about this please contact Bishop John's PA directly.
Ministerial Review
For all those holding PTO there is an annual review which is conducted with your 'designated person'. Together you will complete a form and submit it to Bishop John around the anniversary that your PTO was granted.