[xzins]

Grampa, you are assuming that they will truthfully answer your questions. These are liars who worm their way into churches in order to injure them.

The use differing definitions of all the words that you use in your questions.

The best way to determine someone's position is to research their previous churches and ask lay people what they were like.

[Grampa Dave]

It is amazing how honest they have been when asked these questions during interview processes.

Of course that is why you tell them up front if they lie on these basic tenants, they will be terminated.

So far it has worked for us with two curates and one deacon in training. The last curate has gone on to be our assistant priest. In fact some Episcopal Lites have complained that his sermons are often too close to the Gospel/the readings and belief in Christ and God.

Again if they don't believe in our basic tenants and faith, you don't want them in the same zip code, let alone on the clergy staff.

[ahadams2]

You wrote "The best way to determine someone's position is to research their previous churches and ask lay people what they were like."

Those are very good suggestions. Also check out the parish website - you'd be amazed what some folks will put on a parish website!

Additionally, unless the priest under consideration is currently associated with a tiny parish where any visitors would immediately be noticed, having a small group (say three or four) of the folks from the selection committee visit the prospective priest's current parish anonymously for a couple Sundays can be very revealing as well. You'd want to have at least two visits, and perhaps buying a few tape copies of the guy's sermons if they're for sale...something more parishes are doing these days.