Listed below is an excerpt from the “Northwest Coast Presbytery policy on Separation Ethics when dissolving a call” guidelines to our church stating s to what capacity we can communicate with our departing pastor.
To Individual Members of the Congregation.
Pursuant to G-2.0905 it is important that, with particular friends, it be made clear that the pastoral relationship will come to an end. This does not mean that friendships must come to an end. Friendships are priceless and are to be preserved, but there is a special responsibility on the part of the departing pastor to prevent friendships from becoming confused with the pastoral relationship. The pastoral functions of counseling, calling, conducting weddings, funerals, or baptisms are not appropriate. Neither is the rendering of opinions or judgments about the ministry of the former church or its pastor. If the former pastor receives a request to return to the congregation for a particular occasion, it is important for her/him to remind those making the request that the present pastor is the one to whom the request should be made.
From Session
Edmonds Presbyterian Church