Information and Planning for Retired Clergy
Contacts
Introduction
Dear Sisters and Brothers
We in the Diocese of Carlisle value and affirm the ministry of retired clergy. Many of you hold the Bishop’s Permission to Officiate in the diocese and, as such, are able to accept invitations to preach and lead worship in our parishes and communities. It is important to remember that PTO is permissive – you are not obliged to exercise ministry; retirement needs no apology or justification. There are those who no longer lead public worship, yet still live out their vocation in many prayerful and quietly supportive ways. Each of you is indeed a gift to the church in our diocese and we give thanks for you.
Our orders are for life, but the way we exercise those orders and fulfil our promises changes throughout our lives. One of the biggest changes is the transition which comes in retirement. Each of us will need to reflect continually on how we will continue as faithful stewards of the mysteries of God. When clergy retire sometimes there is an understandable period of initial struggle with the prospect of no longer holding office or title, we hope with help and encouragement you may find a new freedom and find this time to be a blessing to you and others.
Pastoral care for retired clergy and family rests with the Bishop, your Incumbent and Rural Dean. In this diocese we have an Officer for Retired Clergy, Revd Canon Ruth Crossley who is happy to offer support if needed please do be in touch with– Ruth see information below.
From Bishop Rob and members of the leadership team.
Planning for retirement
Resources to help scheme members with planning ahead.
Retirement Planning | The Church of England
Retirement housing
Where to start for help with retirement housing with the Church and beyond.
Retirement housing | The Church of England
Clergy Retirement Housing Options Online Tool.
Explore your range of retirement housing options | The Church of England
Church retirement housing - Information for current residents. Key documents guidance and for existing residents within Church retirement housing.
Information for current residents | The Church of England
Ministry after retirement
Ministry after retiring from office | The Church of England
Retired Clergy Association of the Church of England
Pensions
About Clergy pensions - For members’ guides, how to update your personal information with us and how to access financial advice
Clergy pensions | The Church of England
Managed Funds
Due to the generosity of people in the past the Diocese of Carlisle Board of Finance manages funds specifically given for use by Retired Clergy and their widows or widowers.
Who can apply?
We accept applications from:
- Retired ordained ministers of the Church of England who are:
- living in the Diocese regardless of where they served,
- living elsewhere who have served in Carlisle Diocese
- Widow(er)s/civil partners of retired ordained ministers of the Church of England who are:
- living in the Diocese regardless of where they served,
- living elsewhere but who have served in Carlisle Diocese
There are also a number of others who may be eligible for grants:
- Retired lay workers and Church Army officers, who have served in the diocese of Carlisle (this does not include those who have served elsewhere and are now resident in the diocese)
- Unsupported clergy children who are on the Pensions Board list.
- Widow(er)s who have remarried.
- Divorced or separated clergy spouses.
What are grants available for?
Discretionary Grants are given for a wide variety of purposes - replacing household appliances, house repairs, repair and replacement of cars, holidays, convalescence, sickness expenses, travel, etc. The purposes for which grants are given have been kept deliberately flexible, and only occasionally has an application been refused because the purpose was thought to be unsuitable (e.g. help towards paying for a married daughter’s university course).
We are not normally in the habit of making loans.
How do we assess applications?
Although the Trust Fund has been set up to relieve poverty, because of the generosity of past benefactors, grants are not just for really needy cases, but for anyone who has a sudden unaffordable expense for which they would value help.