A proposal has been put forward by the Church of England to enable more choice for clergy when making plans for their retirement housing. It has been identified that changes need to me made to the current system and that rather than one intervention at one specific moment in the ministry journey, there should be practical support, guidance and choices around housing available throughout ministry.
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The proposal by The Church of England Pensions Board states that ‘in the future, enabling choice means that from the first call to ministry, clergy will be encouraged, empowered and practically supported to develop the right retirement housing plan for their circumstances. Enabling choice involves a shift from putting all the effort into help with housing at retirement, to investment, new services and initiatives throughout ministry that put clergy in the driving seat of their retirement journey.’
These proposals will not impact those currently retired or living in Church provided housing, but your experience of the process would be helpful to direct the way this proposal will be considered.
The discussion paper titled ‘Enabling Choice’ is available to view here with an invitation to comment and share your thoughts about some specific questions by 31 January 2024. Views are welcome from anybody connected with the Church and the feedback will directly impact which ideas from the proposal can be moved forward. The Ven David Painter, Chaplain to Retired Clergy says 'I urge everyone to read it and consider its contents...the current chaplains to retired clergy in the diocese, together with the archdeacons, will be very ready to consider with you in details what is proposed, and listen to any concerns which you may wish to express.'
There are four Chaplains to Retired Clergy within the Diocese of Peterborough; Canon Michael Webber, Canon John Westwood, Canon George Rogers, and The Ven David Painter who are there to help support those in or nearing retirement. Do please contact them should that be something you would find helpful. They can be contacted here.