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ABSTRACT
This study reports the findings of a questionnaire survey about clergy experiences of isolation and solutions to it in a rural diocese which is embedding within its structures opportunities to enhance the care and efficacy of its ministers. Two thirds of the 87 participants felt isolated to some extent, while one third did not feel isolated at all. Significantly higher scores of isolation were recorded by: stipendiary clergy (compared with self-supporting clergy); clergy working alone (compared with clergy working in teams); and clergy working in multi-parish contexts (compared with clergy working elsewhere). Existing support structures are explored, as well as new opportunities for mutual support: 79% of participants reported being supported by other clergy; and 53% found deanery chapter a support. Nearly 30% were supported by a cell group or other small group. Several participants suggested that opportunities for informal fellowship at deanery chapter could be a solution to their isolation. However, there are dangers that diocesan interventions to solve the problem of isolation may be perceived as yet another ‘initiative’ or present as one more among multiple overwhelmings.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
Notes on contributors
The Revd Canon Bill Stuart-White was Archdeacon of Cornwall, in the Diocese of Truro, and chaired the ‘Never Alone Working Party’ in the diocese.
The Revd Canon Jane Vaughan-Wilson is Diocesan Director of Ordinands, in the Diocese of Truro, and served on the ‘Never Alone Working Party’ in the diocese.
The Revd John Eatock is a priest with permission to officiate in the Diocese of Truro. He served on the ‘Never Alone Working Party’ in the diocese.
Dr Judith A. Muskett, a postdoctoral research assistant in the School of Humanities, Religion & Philosophy, York St John University, worked on a project to evaluate the Accompanied Ministry Development programme in the Diocese of Truro.
The Revd Professor Andrew Village is Professor of Practical and Empirical Theology in York St John University and worked on a project to evaluate the Accompanied Ministry Development programme in the Diocese of Truro.
Notes
1 Seven cohorts of between 10 and 12 incumbent clergy each participated in the Accompanied Ministry Development programme, 2014–18, with staggered start dates from 2014 to 2017. The first year for each cohort included five four-day residential Clergy Colleges, designed ‘to nurture church ministers, offer intellectual stimulus, provide space for prayer and reflection and allow time for refreshment’. During this time, each participant was supported by an AMD Advisor. The Colleges included action learning sets. Details are set out in the AMD Programme Guide, December 2015 (see https://www.trurodiocese.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/AMD-Programme-Guide-Version-4-2-December-2015.pdf).