ABOUT US
Clergy Wellbeing
As a diocese, we are committed to clergy care and wellbeing, in line with the Covenant for Clergy Care and Wellbeing, which was agreed by General Synod in 2019 and made an Act of Synod in 2020.
We recognise that ordained ministry is both a privilege and a challenge. It can be deeply rewarding, but also demanding – with pressures that may include isolation, overwhelming workloads, and blurred boundaries between personal and ministerial life. That’s why we are dedicated to creating a culture where clergy can flourish in their vocation, supported by practical resources, pastoral care, and a shared commitment to wellbeing.
Wellbeing is more than just “feeling good.” It involves the interplay of:
- Physical, emotional, and spiritual health
- Healthy personal and professional relationships
- Time for rest, reflection, and recreation
- Supportive structures and pastoral care
We encourage clergy to:
- Take regular time off, including full annual leave
- Set aside time daily for personal nourishment and family life
- Engage in hobbies and activities that bring joy and renewal
- Make use of spiritual leave for retreat and reflection
- Maintain a healthy work-life balance, including a weekly day off
Support Available
We offer a range of support services, including:
- Pastoral care and confidential conversations
- Guidance on family-friendly policies and leave
- Access to wellbeing resources and reflective practice
- Signposting to external support such as St Luke’s Healthcare for the Clergy
We also encourage open conversations about wellbeing within parishes, deaneries, and diocesan teams – ensuring that clergy care is a shared responsibility across the Church.
Support Networks
Deanery Chapter
Deanery chapter aims to build up the priestly and ministerial life of its members by worshipping and praying together; and by providing a forum for the debate of issues affecting the Church and a place where information can be passed on. The chapter can also provide a valuable climate of sharing and mutual support. For details, contact your Area Dean.
Women’s Chapter
An important part of the role of Bishop’s Advisor for Women’s Ministry is to offer confidential pastoral support to all ordained women in the diocese. Contact Revd Jenni Beaumont
Team Rectors’ Network
Support and resourcing for Team Rectors in Manchester Diocese. Meeting two or three times a year for lunch and sharing team ministry related challenges and ideas. Contact The Revd Martin Cox.
The College of Healthcare Chaplains
The College of Health Care Chaplains is a professional organisation for chaplains of all faith and belief groups. It is open to all recognised healthcare chaplaincy staff, paid and voluntary, and to those with an interest in chaplaincy. See www.healthcarechaplains.org
New Wine Leadership Network
The New Wine Leadership Network is all about supporting and equipping those with the responsibility of leading their church, to realise our shared vision of ‘local churches changing nations’. A national network, locally delivering that vision in a variety of ways. See New Wine website
Manchester Diocesan Evangelical Fellowship
Manchester Diocesan Evangelical Fellowship seeks to facilitate prayer, fellowship, encouragement and equipping amongst evangelicals across the diocese. We do this through networking and mutual support and by organising a varied programme of gatherings and training events through the year. For more information and to see upcoming events, please visit Manchester Diocesan Evangelical Fellowship
Society of Catholic Priests
SCP is a friendly and supportive society of women and men serving as priests. Manchester has a local chapter, with a varied programme including a residential chapter, meals together, spiritual input etc. Members are Catholic minded, follow a simple common rule of life, and enjoy fellowship together. Visit Society of Catholic Priests
Manchester Estates Network
Bringing together lay and ordained ministers from estate and inner-city parishes for support, prayer and information sharing. Visit www.mcrestates.weebly.com
Anglican Minority Ethnic Network (AMEN)
Anglican Minority Ethnic Network: AMEN is an independent group promoting the presence and participation of Minority Ethnic Anglicans in all structures of our church in the service of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Visit AMEN website