Clergy Pension Action

Clergy Pension Action Launches with Letter to Church Times

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Clergy Pension Action has launched with a letter to the Church Times, signed by over 700 clergy.

To the Editor of the Church Times,

We, the undersigned, representing a growing movement of clergy, retired clergy, and supporters, are calling for urgent and decisive action on clergy pensions. In just a week, over 1,500 people have joined the Clergy Pension Action group (www.clergypensionaction.uk), demonstrating the deep concern and widespread frustration over the Church of England’s current pension provision. This is a fundamental justice issue that must be addressed without delay.

In February 2024, General Synod voted unanimously in favour of pension reform, yet there has been little movement towards an adequate resolution. Yes, there was talk of an increase in the national minimum stipend at the most recent General Synod, but this is merely a drop in the ocean. The pace of change is far too slow, and the measures taken so far are simply not enough. This matter is too urgent to be allowed to drift. We expect the Church of England to uphold its commitments and accelerate the implementation of reforms that ensure clergy can retire with dignity.

At a minimum, there must be a full, backdated restoration of the pre-2011 pension level, which is an essential first step toward justice. However, the deeper issue remains: if a stipend is considered the minimum necessary to live in active ministry, why is it deemed acceptable for clergy to receive a fraction of that amount in retirement without housing provision? The reality is stark—many retired clergy face financial insecurity, housing struggles, and the indignity of relying on charity after years of faithful service.

The Church of England has £10.4 billion in assets. It would take a fraction of the annual investment returns to correct this injustice. The moral responsibility is clear: clergy who have dedicated their lives to serving the Church must not be abandoned in retirement.

We urge the Church Commissioners, the Pensions Board, and diocesan leadership to act with speed and integrity. Justice delayed is justice denied.

Signatures available on request

Comments

10 responses to “Clergy Pension Action Launches with Letter to Church Times”

  1. Oliver Harrison avatar
    Oliver Harrison

    Brilliant. Very happy to have had a hand in drafting this and to add my signature at the bottom of it.

    Just to keep the main thing the main thing:

    National Minimum Stipend of £28,670 x 66.6% = £19.1k a year in pension but x 50% = £14.3k a year in pension. That’s a £4,800 difference. Or £92 a week less.

    That’s what we’ve lost. Or, if you prefer, what they’ve taken from us.

    That’s without looking at issues around CHARM, bishops’ inexplicably bigger pensions (how it can possibly cost more to be a retired Rt. Rev.?) and the ever-increasing number of years to qualify for a full pension.

    And that’s why this campaign exists.

    Reply
    1. Simon avatar
      Simon

      I retired from parish ministry just over a year ago after a couple of years when my health became fragile due to the onerous demands of running 6 parishes, each with open churchyards, and 5 historic listed buildings. There wasn’t enough of “me” to go round.

      I had served for more than 28 years, worked morning, noon and night, and was twice hospitalised as a direct result of the stress of the role of parish priest.

      The level of the pension I have received is nowhere near enough to pay rent / mortgage, Council tax and heating bills on a small home for my wife and I to live in.

      (My wife also ploughed huge amounts of her time and energy into supporting the ministry, as many clergy spouses do.)

      Fortunately, I have managed to obtain a chaplaincy role but am now going to be working into my seventies so that we can enjoy a moderately comfortable retirement.

      We never aspired to live in the lap of luxury but surely should be able to put food on the table and have a secure roof over our heads as we move towards the autumn of our days…?

      Three cheers for the Clergy Pension Action Group…!

      Reply
  2. Tim Saiet avatar
    Tim Saiet

    As I face retirement soon. We have no home to go to and only 15 years of pension. We as a family have no hope of being able to support ourselves on our current projected retirement income . L
    This leaves us anxious and fearful

    Reply
  3. Revd Edward Hobbs avatar
    Revd Edward Hobbs

    Please can you add my signature to the letter

    Reply
    1. admin avatar
      admin

      It’s too late now to sign the letter, but please make sure you are signed up to the mailing list so you’ll be the first to know the next time we have some action for you to join in with.

      Reply
  4. Philip Dobson avatar
    Philip Dobson

    Where do I sign up?

    Reply
    1. admin avatar
      admin

      It’s too late now to sign the letter, but please make sure you are signed up to the mailing list so you’ll be the first to know the next time we have some action for you to join in with.

      Reply
  5. Valri Armstrong avatar
    Valri Armstrong

    The provision of clergy pensions was the responsibility of the church commissioners until 1994. Due to their difficult financial position at that time, that responsibility was devolved to the dioceses. Now the Commissioners are in a very much healthier situation, they should resume full responsibility for all clergy pensions. Over many years parishes have had their assets and resources taken away and their financial responsibilities increased. The current situation is unjust and unnecessary. I am a retired self supporting minister ie not in receipt of a clergy pension. But those who are dependent on the clergy scheme after years of service deserve a decent pension.

    Reply
  6. Simon Brown avatar
    Simon Brown

    It is well past time that this situation should be resolved and the Synod resolution from February 24 be implemented.

    Thank you to those who are pushing on this issue

    Reply
  7. German news avatar
    German news

    It’s encouraging to see such a strong collective voice advocating for clergy pensions. The Church of England must act swiftly to address this pressing issue, as the current situation is unacceptable. Retired clergy deserve to live with dignity after years of dedicated service. The Church’s significant assets should be used to ensure fair and just pension provisions. Why has there been so little progress since the unanimous vote for reform in February 2024? German news in Russian (новости Германии)— quirky, bold, and hypnotically captivating. Like a telegram from a parallel Europe. Care to take a peek?

    Reply

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