cdm
The old disciplinary system (CDM) left clergy in years of limbo over complaints that should never have become legal battles.
Synod has also completed essential internal work such as the new Clergy Conduct Measure to supersede the CDM, developing the new Mission and Pastoral legislation to facilitate good collaborative working.
The CDM process placed an enormous burden on many clergy and could be isolating and unbalanced.
• Safeguarding and CDM reform.
In October 2024 I was approved by the Bishop’s Council as Lay Nominee to the CDM Regional Panel.
The ongoing work around responding to complaints and the CDM process continues to need attention.
It is absurd that parish clergy should feel the need to take out insurance against vexatious CDM claims.
Clergy need proper support, and processes such as CDM must be fair, proportionate and humane.
I have supported measures to improve clergy wellbeing including stipend and pension uplifts, reform of CDM, better support for working class clergy and neurodivergent clergy, and an increase in rest periods.
The new Clergy Conduct Measure is much better than the CDM it has replaced.
I have also been an accompanier for clergy going through the CDM process, sometimes accused of serious failings.
I was also struck by the burden often experienced by clergy in responding to the unbounded needs and asks of ministry and also the devastating effect that a CDM can place on clergy person.
Clergy & Vocations Crisis: Transitioning effectively to the new Clergy Conduct Measure (CCM) to replace the CDM, alongside creating sustainable pathways for younger stipendiary vocations and clergy wellbeing.
I have supported and voted in debates on clergy wellbeing, pensions, replacement CDM, more rest periods and more.
I am also concerned about the inappropriate use of clergy disciplinary measures, and just how vulnerable clergy have been to being put under a CDM when it has perhaps not been the correct or best process for a given situation.
Before ordination, I sat on CDM Tribunals.
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.