The Church of England’s Covenant for Clergy Care and Wellbeing, adopted as an Act of Synod in 2020, affirms that the care and wellbeing of clergy is a shared responsibility across the whole Church. It recognises that healthy and flourishing ministry is sustained not only through individual commitment to prayer, discipleship and self-care, but also through supportive relationships with congregations, colleagues, bishops and diocesan structures.
The Covenant encourages a culture in which clergy wellbeing is valued as integral to the Church’s mission and ministry, rather than being treated as a secondary concern.
Clergy are encouraged to give appropriate attention to their spiritual, physical, emotional and relational wellbeing, making use of opportunities for reflection, pastoral supervision, ministerial development and continuing formation. Equally, PCCs, churchwardens, congregations and those exercising episcopal oversight are called to play their part in fostering environments of trust, encouragement and mutual support. The Covenant reminds us that effective ministry is best sustained when clergy and the wider Church work together to nurture healthy patterns of life, service and vocation
The Diocese of Peterborough is committed to the wellbeing of its clergy, recognising that healthy, supported ministers are essential for sustained and faithful ministry. Wellbeing encompasses spiritual, emotional, physical, and relational health.
Clergy are encouraged to maintain a balanced rhythm of prayer, rest, retreat, and time with family and friends. Bishops and Archdeacons take an active pastoral interest in clergy wellbeing, and regular conversations (including Ministerial Development Review), provide opportunities to reflect on workload, vocation, and personal flourishing. The Diocese seeks to foster a culture in which clergy feel able to speak openly about pressure or difficulty and to seek support without stigma.
A range of support is available across the Diocese. Clergy may access pastoral care through the Bishop, Archdeacons, and Rural Deans, at any time, as well as confidential accompaniment through spiritual direction.
The Diocese also promotes wellbeing through retreat opportunities, CMD (Continuing Ministerial Development), and peer support networks. Clergy and their families are encouraged to contact the Bishop’s Office in the first instance for guidance and signposting, ensuring that appropriate and timely support can be put in place.
Below is a list of organisations that can further support clergy wellbeing.
Clergy Support Trust
Provides grants and practical support for Anglican clergy, ordinands, retired clergy and their households, including support for financial wellbeing, health, holidays and family needs.
Website: https://www.clergysupport.org.uk/wellbeing-grants
St Luke’s for Clergy
Offers clergy and their families support with psychological wellbeing, mental health and reflective practice, and works with individuals and dioceses to promote sustainable ministry.
Website: https://www.stlukesforclergy.org.uk
The Sheldon Hub
A secure and free online community where people in ministry can meet, share, pray and support one another.
Website: https://www.sheldonhub.org
The Society of Mary and Martha at Sheldon
Offers retreat, rest and support for clergy and those in ministry, particularly at times of stress, crisis, burnout or breakdown.
Website: https://www.clergysupport.org.uk/story/sheldon-retreat-centre
Church of England Covenant for Clergy Care and Wellbeing
National resources to support reflection and action on clergy wellbeing by clergy, parish communities, bishops and the wider Church.
Samaritans
A confidential listening service available at any time for anyone who needs to talk. Call 116 123 free from any phone.
Website: https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/
NHS 111 mental health support
For urgent mental health support in England, call 111 and select the mental health option, or call 999 if there is an immediate risk to life.
Website: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services/where-to-get-urgent-help-for-mental-health/