UK clergy: Too many ‘struggling in silence with debt’
More than 200 clergy needed help in escaping debts of almost £3m last year.
They were among 459 clergy given a total of £1.8m by CRE National 2019 exhibitor Clergy Support Trust which exists to help clergy in financial hardship. Jeremy Moodey, chief executive officer of the trust and a former banker, admitted he is shocked by the number of clergy who are finding it difficult to make ends meet.
‘Many clergy with families struggle to cover the cost of everyday living,’ he said, ‘and because of the nature of their profession, are reluctant to ask for help.’
The trust and its predecessors have been helping clergy since many lost their jobs in a purge by Oliver Cromwell. A group of businessmen and the sons of clergymen began the support mechanism which was then given a Royal Charter in 1678 by King Charles II. Earlier this year the name was changed from Sons and Friends of the Clergy to Clergy Support Trust.
The trust provides confidential and focused support to clergy facing financial and other challenges, working directly with beneficiaries but also, when appropriate, in partnership with the Church of England and other like-minded organisations. There are 20,000 serving clergy and hundreds more in the Church of Wales, the Scottish Episcopal Church, the Church of Ireland and hundreds of retired clergy no longer active in the ministry. A further 1,500 people are training for the ordained Anglican ministry. The trust plays a massive part in providing help and support.
A recent survey showed that 20 per cent of the ordained clergy and 34 per cent of ordinands are ‘struggling’ or ‘just getting by’ financially. Three in every ten ordained clergy with children under 16 admitted having financial difficulties.
‘Clergy are not going to be serving their communities as well as they might if they are worrying about paying bills and not getting a holiday,’ said Jeremy Moodey, who is training to become a vicar. ‘They live in a goldfish bowl in the vicarage and need to get away but often cannot afford to if they have families.’
• Clergy Support Trust are on stand S35 at CRE National 2019
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