While candidates are supposed to be open to settlement anywhere in the church, more and more are placing restrictions on where they will go, the report to General Council commissioners stated. In addition, the changing demographics of those entering ministry mean many today are older and have families established in their local communities. These factors often make it tumultuous for settlement to occur anywhere other than the geographic area in which these candidates are already living. The report stated that these factors mean that those candidates with limiting factors are given priority in the system. Single individuals are often sent to isolated areas.
Some candidates are unable to name their limiting circumstances.
Likewise, a single gay person who feels a strong need to be within commutable distance to a gay network also may not feel at liberty to name this. The movement to a unified system may offer a more consistent process. Standardized and complementary forms for candidates and pastoral charges. The establishment of criteria for determining which pastoral charges are appropriate for settlement. That documentation be provided where possible for those with limiting circumstances.