Honouring the Labourers of the Vineyard
Written By David Nwanekpe
In the Anglican Church, we believe that “the labourer is worthy of his reward.” Many men and women have served God faithfully in our vineyard. Some served until old age, some retired with honour, and some even died while still giving their best to the Church. This is why the Church, from time to time, may choose to honour them either after retirement or even after death. These honours are not given for show. They are given to appreciate a life that was poured out for the gospel.
1. What Do We Mean by Posthumous and Emeritus Preferment?
Posthumous preferment means giving an honour or title to someone after they have died.
Emeritus preferment means honouring someone after retirement for their long and faithful service.
In simple terms, it is the Church saying:
“Thank you. Your work did not go unnoticed.”
2. Why Does the Church Do This?
The Anglican Church is a church of order, but also a church with a heart. We understand that some clergy served God with all their strength but, for different reasons, were never preferred as Archdeacon or Canon while alive or still in active ministry. Sometimes the opportunity did not come. Sometimes the bishop at the time did not do it. Sometimes the person died suddenly.
When a bishop grants posthumous or emeritus honour, it is not to raise the dead or to bring back the person into office. It is simply to say:
This person lived well.
This person served well.
This person deserves to be remembered.
3. Biblical and Anglican Logic Behind It
In Matthew 20, Jesus gave the parable of the Labourers in the Vineyard. Some worked from morning, some came in later, but the Master honoured all of them. This teaches us that God does not forget faithfulness.
If God remembers, the Church too should remember.
The Anglican Church has always respected the tradition of honouring faithful servants. That is why we have titles like Canon Emeritus or Archdeacon Emeritus these are ways of saying:
“You may have retired, but your honour remains.”
4. Can a Dead Person Be Preferred?
Yes as an honour, not as an office.
A dead man cannot function as a Canon or Archdeacon, but the Church can still honour his memory. It becomes part of his legacy. It becomes a blessing to his family and a testimony to younger clergy that the Church remembers those who go the extra mile.
For example:
- A priest who served faithfully for 40 years but died before persecution or politics allowed him to be preferred can be honoured posthumously.
- His wife and children can receive the certificate.
- The parish can recognize his memory.
- The diocese can list him as Canon (Posthumous) or Archdeacon (Posthumous).
This brings healing, unity, and respect.
5. Why Is This Important Today?
We are living in a generation where clergy sometimes feel forgotten. Many labour quietly, without loud praise, without recognition. When we honour the dead or the retired, we are sending a message:
“Your service matters. God sees you. The Church sees you.”
It also strengthens the bond between the bishop and the clergy. When a bishop remembers the labourers of yesterday, he encourages the labourers of today.
6. How It Should Be Done
Preferment whether posthumous or emeritus must follow proper process:
- The bishop gives the approval.
- The diocesan standing committee may be informed.
- The family of the deceased may be present.
- A short citation of the person’s life and service should be read.
- The honour should be documented for the diocesan archives.
This gives dignity and respect.
7. My Final Thoughts
Honouring retired and departed clergy is not a waste of time. It is not an empty tradition. It is the Anglican Church showing gratitude. It is also a way of reminding ourselves that ministry is not about who gets power today, but about who served God faithfully throughout their life.
Some will receive their honour while alive.
Some will receive it after retirement.
Some will receive it after death.
But all of them will hear the same voice on the last day:
“Well done, good and faithful servant.”
May the Church continue to honour her labourers.
May we never forget those who built the altars we stand on today
