Being part of a clergy household can bring pressures that are not always easy to explain to others. For spouses, partners and children, it can help to connect with people who understand ministry life first-hand. This short list highlights two resources that may be helpful.

Clergy Family Network

Clergy Family Network is an independent organisation supporting clergy families in the Church of England. It aims to encourage and support clergy households, speak up on their behalf, and gather information about support available locally and nationally. It also describes its work as offering practical and spiritual support to individuals and being a united voice for clergy partners and children.

Its FAQ says its main focus is Church of England partners, while also hoping its work will benefit clergy families from other denominations and faith backgrounds. If a clergy partner or child is struggling, the network says people can get in touch and it will arrange a Zoom or phone conversation and help connect them with appropriate support.

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Retired Clergy woman on a tablet

Clergy Spice

Clergy Spice is a Facebook group for people whose spouse is involved in Christian ministry. According to the group description, it is open to anyone whose spouse is in ordained ministry or training for ordination, regardless of gender or denomination. It is less a formal support service and more an online peer community, but it may still be a useful source of connection and shared understanding.

If you are looking for support as a clergy spouse, partner or family member, these may be good places to start. Clergy Family Network offers more structured support, while Clergy Spice provides an informal online space for people with similar experiences.