Clergy

Clergy provide the pastoral care of the Church of England and fulfil the ministerial functions set out in Canon Law.

Although some of the Church of England clergy are employed at a national, diocesan or parochial level, most serve under “common tenure” according to the Ecclesiastical Offices (Terms of Service) Measure 2009 as an ecclesiastical office holder (eg vicar of the parish of x, or curate of the parish of y). Clergy are licensed by the bishop of the diocese in which they are to serve.

Clergy have rights and responsibilities under common tenure, set out in regulations and in their individual statements of particulars, as well as under the Canons of the Church of England, eg rights to housing and for paid sick-leave. They are expected to  “…at all times … be diligent to frame and fashion his life and that of his family according to the doctrine of Christ, and to make himself and them, as much as in him lies, wholesome examples and patterns to the flock of Christ”. The Guidelines for the Professional Conduct of the Clergy set out how clergy should maintain professional boundaries with the people that they minister to.

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We can provide help and advice on

• Appointments and licensing.
• Capability.
• Clergy Discipline Measure.
• Complaints.
• Housing.
• Ministry.
• Pensions.
• Remuneration.
• Safeguarding.
• Terms and conditions of service (including common tenure).
• Wellbeing.