Abandonment of the Church is a distinct ground for ecclesiastical discipline. Abandonment may be included as part of a Complaint that does include an allegation of the commission of an Offense, but Abandonment may also be alleged without any allegation of commission of an Offense.

There are many times when a Bishop finds it necessary or appropriate to issue a Pastoral Direction to a Member of the Clergy in circumstances that do not, at that time, involve an Offense. The same provision of the Canons still applies.