Clergy Support Trust welcomes the publication today of From Lament to Action. Its title and its content must serve as a call, to all of us involved with the Church of England, to do more and do better. As part of Clergy Support Trust’s commitment to that, we are delighted to be partnering with the National Ministry Team in a major research project on the wellbeing and experiences of UK minority ethnic clergy.
Among the thousands of applications the Trust receives each year are, regretfully, stories similar to those aired in this week’s BBC Panorama programme. As the largest and oldest charity focused on clergy wellbeing, the implications of these powerful testimonials are profound, and the Trust is committed to working with a range of partners to ensure our own programmes meet the needs of all those who reach out to us. We would welcome ideas and reflections from anyone, but especially UKME clergy, on how we can continue to do that.
Clergy Support Trust agrees with the Taskforce behind today’s report that, “in Christ, our differences are not simply erased but rather embraced, valuing the unique ways we each reflect the image of God”. All serving and retired clergy, their families and dependants, will be embraced by the Trust, and we encourage any eligible beneficiaries to approach us. We offer a wide range of financial and specialist support, including for emergencies, health, wellbeing, and general living expenses; there is a simple eligibility checker on our website which enables individuals to discern what might be appropriate for them.
To serve and support those who, in their life-changing and life-affirming ministry support and serve so many others, is a great privilege. We look forward to continuing our own journey of learning, and of working alongside all those called to ordained Anglican ministry across the UK, Ireland and Europe.
The Revd Canon Simon Butler
Senior Treasurer (Chair of Trustees)
Ben Cahill-Nicholls
Chief Executive
22 April 2021