The Clergy Support Trust Festival, held yesterday and almost every year since 1655, is a magnificent occasion, full of the ritual and ceremonial which England does especially well.
The opening procession involves some 150 participants, including three cathedral choirs; Bishops and senior clergy from across the UK; the Aldermen and Sheriffs of the City of London; and the Lady Mayor, accompanied by Sword-bearer, City Marshal and Chaplain. It was also a great joy to see so many of the City’s Livery Companies represented, a wonderful visual reminder of their steadfast and enduring support for our work.
All this is glorious, and it’s a huge privilege to be part of it each year (though I am always mindful of the wise Bishop who told me that “after you” is only ever an insult in a church procession!). But beyond all the wonderful and splendid ceremony, the Festival is really two things: an act of worship, and a celebration of the people CST supports.
The first of these was in abundant evidence – God was well and truly praised in word, song and liturgy – but perhaps most hit me during the combined choir anthem, Parry’s magnificent ‘Blest Pair of Sirens’. To hear this sung by over a hundred children and adults, in the extraordinary acoustic of St Paul’s, was a little glimpse of heaven – not just because of the beautiful music or words, but because of harmonious joining-together of diverse voices, some leading worship in St Paul’s every day, some on a rare visit to London, each with their own story, their own perspective, and their own God-given musical talent. In a world of division, it was a moment of pure unity, and a foretaste of the heavenly banquet to which we are all called – as well as a powerful reminder that CST’s ministry, too, is rooted in true inclusivity and impartiality, here for all who need it.
The second element – celebrating clergy households – was powerfully illustrated in the brave, moving testimony given by The Reverend Nik and Heidi Gower. They recalled the moment they found out that their second child had spina bifida, and of the impact this has had on their lives and faith, in a way which was truly humbling – quoting Psalm 139: “For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” The Trust has been honoured to walk alongside them as they navigate ministry and family life, and as they continue to give so much to their roles and communities.
And both of these themes joined beautifully in Archbishop Sarah’s sermon. It was a privilege to have her with us, both as a valued Honorary President of the Trust, and given her clearly-stated focus on clergy wellbeing – not least leading the Triennium Funding Group which, last year, approved a 10.7% increase in clergy stipends. Her words were an important and well-received challenge to all of us in ministry, and to the Trust itself as we seek to serve those who spend their lives serving others:
“For all those here who are called to this costly ministry in whatever capacity, we need also to care for ourselves. We cannot keep on giving, loving and serving, if we aren’t sometimes at the receiving end – being loved, cared for and served by others. If we are to wash the feet of others, we must also allow our feet to be washed. If we are to sit to and listen to others, we must be willing to sit and be listened to.”
Today, the Trust’s work continues in less glittering, but equally joyful and important, ways. As I travel to Derbyshire to join the Diocese of Guildford’s clergy conference, my colleagues will continue reviewing grant applications; answering queries; communicating our programme; planning events; undertaking home visits; developing resources; making payments; analysing impact; and – through it all – considering ourselves fortunate to walk alongside the extraordinary women and men of God’s Church.