THROUGHOUT ITS HISTORY, the Episcopal Diocese of Utah has been open and creative in providing clerical leadership for its congregations and ministries. Joining a number of mostly Western dioceses in embracing the practice of "Total Ministry" during the 1970s and 1980s, we looked both within and without its borders to call locally and seminary-trained priests and deacons to serve.

After the sale of St. Mark’s Hospital in the mid-80s, the diocese continued to train and ordain new clergy from within, but a decision was made by the 9th bishop to call seminary-trained priests to serve as vicars and rectors of each of the (then) 20 congregations. While it unquestionably enriched the life of the diocese, important decisions remain regarding deployment, our theology and practice of ordained ministry, and the stewardship of our gifts and resources.

Since the 2006 changes in Title III of the Canons of the Episcopal Church, four locally trained clergy have been called to serve as rector, vicar, or priest-in-charge of congregations and nearly half of the active clergy of the diocese have been locally trained. The development of the Utah Ministry Formation Program in the past few years has greatly enhanced the training and continuing education of both laypersons and clergy in the diocese.

The diocese also has a long history of responding to those who discern a call to service as vocational deacons. There are 10 people currently serving as deacons, some of whom have been ordained for more than 30 years. Our mission and ministry are greatly enriched by their presence. Their ministries are exercised across the diocese, in parishes and in the community, and their numbers are certain to increase in the coming years. Additionally, several clergy members retired from active ministry continue to offer their gifts within the congregations and ministries of the diocese and to take an active role in its ongoing life.

Finally, the diocese has welcomed the gifts and ministries of women within the church: The 10th bishop is the Rt. Rev. Carolyn Tanner Irish; and of the 46 active clergy serving in the 25 congregations and seven in diocesan ministries and on staff, nearly half are women, including nine who are rector, vicar, or priest-in-charge. This movement toward balance within the clergy serving in the diocese – women and men, locally trained and seminary graduates, and priest and deacon – reflects our commitment to inclusiveness and openness in the discernment of gifts for ministry and of God’s call to individuals.