workload
Resourcing small rural parishes Clergy wellbeing Advocating for admin support that matches the workload Baptism & wedding pathways to faith Reaching families on the margins Welcoming beyond
We need a serious conversation about what constitutes a sustainable clergy workload, what kind of support package is appropriate, how to deploy and retain clergy, and how to ensure that ministerial priesthood – however sacrificial – is possible for those discerning that vocation.
When I stood for election 5 years ago, I wanted to make a contribution in the areas of safeguarding, clergy workload and speaking up for the poor and marginalized.
• Reduction in clergy workload, notably
Clergy especially have a workload that is unprecedented in the history of the Church of England, and I have witnessed the toll of unsustainable multi-parish responsibilities on the mental and physical health of priests.
I am immensely proud of the work my forebears did at the coalface of priestly ministry and am frequently humbled by the huge burden taken on today by priests across our diocese, often with far too many churches and an impossible workload.
I would support a more genuinely pastoral approach to clergy review, including regular annual conversations focused not simply on performance but on wellbeing, vocation, workload and the support needed to flourish in ministry.
I am passionate about proclaiming the Gospel afresh to each generation, removing blocks and strengthening engagement — supporting clergy and laity financially, spiritually and in workload, enabling them to flourish, and recognising that parish churches and the communities they inspire, are far more dynamic and valuable than is often assumed, while easing the time, energy and financial burdens of maintaining historic buildings.
parishes to innovate in their unique contexts - remaining “anchored to the Rock, geared to the culture.” 2. Clergy wellbeing and resourcing: I have already raised concerns at Diocesan Synod regarding clergy workload, housing, and stipends.
I will argue for realistic workload models, fair stipend and deployment formulas, and real investment in lay- led ministry (readers, LLMs, churchwardens) so no priest is stretched across a whole benefice alone.
I believe this would reduce pressure and workload on diocesan structures, deliver clarity around training parameters and facilitate smoother transitions into lay roles for those moving dioceses.
• Realistic Expectations: Defining what is a reasonable, sustainable workload for a priest serving a multi-
Whilst the workload of senior clergy has increased over the past 5-10 years, the proliferation of senior appointments is a concern, from a cost perspective (it limits money available for parish ministry), from a governance perspective (with multiple points of authority) and from a vocational perspective (when there are already too few priests available for front-line ministry).
This touches workload, wellbeing and housing.
When our parish was amalgamated with four others under a single vicar, the workload wore him out and he left, since then we have had two further priests and three interregnums which has told the same story; a congregation recovering under a resident, visible priest, then dwindling again through the interregnum that follows, from over 200 at their peak down to as few as 5 on an ordinary Sunday.
The combination of multi-parish benefices, clergy retirements, and falling vocations is increasing the workload of parish priests.
A more balanced workload for parish priests.
Much of this is still being shaped by debate in the General Synod 2003, the disastrous Clergy Discipline Measure (CDM) was introduced, now to be replaced with the Clergy Conduct Measure (CCM) agreed by General Synod in 2025 and due for implementation this year We have had multiple reports on human sexuality culminating in the huge collection of resources, ‘Living in Love and Faith,’ which has now run its course, though the debate continues and will certainly shape the next quinquennium of General Synod Multiple parish benefices have continued to grow in number and size, and with it, clergy workload and stress.