Clergy Support Trust lists the Society for the Relief of Poor Clergy as providing grants to evangelical clergy, accredited lay workers, and clergy widow(er)s across the Church of England, Church in Wales, Church of Ireland and Scottish Episcopal Church.
It may be a useful source of support for clergy households facing financial pressure because of bereavement, illness, moving costs or other exceptional hardship. Diocesan grant listings describe support for needs including bereavement, illness, removals, help for children and young people to attend Christian camps, and support for ministry experience during a gap year before university. Grants may also be available to widows and widowers of evangelical clergy.
The Society’s support appears to focus on practical financial help at times of need, rather than ongoing general support. Some diocesan listings also note that trustees may consider other exceptional needs on a case-by-case basis.
What support does The Society for the Relief of Poor Clergy offer?
Grant directories describe support in areas such as bereavement, illness, removals, help with Christian camps, ministry experience opportunities, and other special needs where trustees agree support is justified.
Who is it for?
It is aimed at evangelical clergy in the Church of England, Church in Wales, Church of Ireland and Scottish Episcopal Church, evangelical accredited lay workers, and widows and widowers of those eligible groups.
How might it help?
It may be helpful if unexpected financial pressure has arisen because of illness, bereavement, moving costs or another exceptional need. It may also be relevant where support is needed for children’s Christian camps or ministry experience opportunities that would otherwise be hard to afford.