History
The CREDO spirit, content, and process are the result of years of planning by many individuals and organizations.
In response to a perceived need to develop a churchwide resource to contribute to the well-being of the clergy of the Episcopal Church, the Church Pension Fund formed a committee in June of 1994 to explore options. For two years, the Wellness Initiatives Advisory Committee extensively researched and explored a variety of possibilities.
In addition to a number of pension benefit initiatives and enhancements, the committee recommended a program for clergy offering an opportunity to pause—to take stock of their ministry, their spiritual well-being, their gifts and skills, and their calling to lead God’s people in this changing world through an eight-day vocational discernment conference.
After a pilot phase and comprehensive assessment and evaluation of its success, in 2000 CREDO received resounding affirmation at the 73rd General Convention. In January 2001, CREDO Institute, Inc. (CII) was established with the mission to serve as a collaborative alliance providing resources for Episcopal leadership and wellness programs.
Since that time, CREDO has had more than 6,000 clergy participant, with more than 120 bishops attending, and more than 400 lay employees attending. CREDO has held more than 230 eight-day CREDO conferences.
For a comprehensive look at the CREDO journey, download a pdf with the full history of CREDO.