What are inhibitions and depositions in the Episcopal Church?
In the canons of The Episcopal Church, an “inhibition” refers to written, authoritative instructions from a bishop that a priest or deacon is to cease from exercising functions of ordained ministry. A “deposition” goes further than an inhibition, referring to the removal of the privileges of ordained ministry; also known as “defrocking.” In some cases, a deposition may be issued six months after an inhibition. Both depositions and inhibitions have been abused by Episcopal bishops in an apparent attempt to “control” orthodox clergy who are speaking out or seeking to affiliate with the AAC and/or Anglican Communion Network.
