Manchester Diocese is blessed by retired clergy who remain active in or around the parishes they have retired to. They do far more than act as a spare pair of hands to lead a Sunday service or take a funeral; it wouldn’t be possible to sustain the richness of our life as a church without them.

The Bishop invites all retired clergy to share in the annual Holy Week Renewal of Vows service and to occasional social gatherings at Bishopscourt.  There is also a biennial Eucharist and lunch for retired clergy at the Cathedral.

Retired clergy are encouraged to join the national Retired Clergy Association of the Church of England, with lifetime membership paid for by the diocese on their behalf. Continuing Ministerial Development allocates educational grants to retired clergy for specific ministerial development courses, etc., and encourages attendance at teaching and other training events.

Our Retired Clergy Officers help keep retired clergy connected with diocesan life and ensure the diocese is aware of any changes in their circumstances, such as illness. The team also offers pastoral and practical support around retirement, reaching out to clergy as they approach or enter retirement to explain available networks and grants.

Get in touch

Contact one of our Retired Clergy Officers:

Grants

Anyone can fall on hard or troubling times at some point in their lives through no fault of their own. The Diocese wants to help you through this.

If you need a bit of extra support, grants are available for a range of needs, including:

• house repairs
• car repairs
• broken appliances
• healthcare costs
• replacement eyeglasses
• home improvements
• holidays for those in need.

Clergy Support Trust

The Diocese of Manchester provides grants for retired clergy who experience financial hardship, through organisations such as the Clergy Support Trust. For more information, visit: https://www.clergysupport.org.uk/

These funds can be used to support healthcare, repairs to housing, holidays and many other things.

Retired Clergy and Clergy Widows/Widowers Fund

If you are unable to access a grant through the Clergy Support Trust or similar organisations, the Diocese of Manchester also has its own Retired Clergy and Clergy Widows/Widowers Fund which may be able to help with small grants for retired clergy and clergy spouses.

Previously we have given grants to help towards the costs of replacement eyeglasses, washing machines, car repairs, replacement mattresses, etc. Other circumstances are also considered, and each request is assessed individually. We aim to pay grants quickly, directly into your bank account.

How to apply

To apply for a grant from the Diocese, please submit the following information:

• Full name
• Address
• Phone number
• Email address
• Evidence of costs (e.g. invoice or quote)
• Any additional details that may support your application

Submit your application to:
Revd Canon Anne Edwards, Senior Chaplain to the Bishop of Manchester

By email: BishopsChaplain@manchester.anglican.org
By post: Bishopscourt, Bury New Road, Salford, M7 4LE

For more information, please call: 0161 792 2096

Useful links

Further information regarding clergy retirement can be found here.