More time off for Church in Wales clergy

On Wednesday 4 September 2024, the Governing Body of the Church in Wales voted to increase the amount of time off that their clergy are entitled to.

Back in April, The Revd Kate O'Sullivan highlighted the Church of England's Living Ministry research, which suggested that one third of serving clergy showed signs of depression, to the Governing Body.

At Clergy Support Trust, we have seen a 23% increase in the number of clergy households (including clergy children) applying to us for a grant towards counselling and talking therapies, for difficulties including depression and anxiety. Applications have risen from 186 (2022) to 229 (2023).

Wednesday's vote was carried unanimously, and we are delighted that the Church in Wales has shown a commitment to addressing the challenges facing their serving clergy and their families, and have prioritised the vital time needed to rest, recuperate and recharge.

This change to the Clergy Terms of Service includes two holidays of seven days, instead of the previous six, taken after Christmas and Easter. It also includes an extra rest day every month.

This vote comes two months after General Synod voted in favour of a similar increase to the time off of Church of England clergy, which included an uninterrupted rest period of 24 hours every seven days.

We hear the impact that a lack of proper rest can have on clergy every day, in conversations with our applicants. In 2023, we provided over 1,600 grants to help clergy and their families take the time to go on a holiday, retreat, sabbatical or respite break.

Thank you to The Revd Kate O'Sullivan for raising the motion, and to all of the members of the Governing Body for voting in favour of it.

Watch the discussion back on The Church in Wales YouTube channel, as part of Item 10 from 5:10:00. Read more in Pat Ashworth's article for Church Times.

The front cover of the Clergy Terms of Service document.

NOTES FOR EDITORS

Photo credit: Church in Wales / YouTube.

Clergy Support Trust is the largest and oldest charity focussed on the wellbeing of clergy and their families.

The Trust, originally founded in 1655, provides confidential help for Anglican clergy and their families across the UK, Ireland, Isle of Man, and Diocese in Europe. The Trust are independent, inclusive, and impartial, and we support clergy from training through to retirement.

In 2023, we provided over 6,800 grants, supporting clergy households in the Church of England with over £5.5m in grants, Church in Wales with £172,000, Church of Ireland with £141,000 and the Scottish Episcopal Church with £36,000.