Church of England clergy are for the first time demanding a pay increase as they struggle with a higher cost of living. The Unite union said it had submitted a formal pay claim for a 9.5% rise in the clergy stipend from April 2024.
The union, which represents over 2,000 clergy and lay officers in the Church of England, said it was the first time in the church's history that a formal pay claim had been submitted for clergy. Unite activist and member of the clergy Sam Maginnis said that last year saw "many clergy" having to turn to charity to help make ends meet.
He said: "Clergy have been working tirelessly to support their local communities through the cost of living crisis: facilitating and co-ordinating vital services and activities, providing personal care and guidance to individuals in need, and speaking hope and a sense of togetherness in unstable and uncertain times. However, last year, many clergy had to turn to charitable aid because they couldn't make ends meet.
