Friday 15 October 2010

Retired Clergy - Blessing or Curse?

Generally, my view of retired clergy is that they are a blessing, but that isn't the view of all that I meet and I have to admit that their reasons appear to be quite valid when one hears their experiences.

I hear stories of retired clergy who continue to visit former parishoners and stir the pot by what they say, or don't say, about happenings in their former parish, The rule that many dioceses apply regarding retiring outside of the parish is a good one and although some argue that they have friends in a place rather than (ex) parishioners, there has to be some maturity shown in their maintaining of  these relationships.

Many years ago I came across three rather bright retried clergymen who had negotiated with the local Crem' and the undertakers such that whenever there was no minister available, or perhaps where there was no church relationship, they would get the service. I was impressed because they a duty day on a rota basis and it appeared to occupy them and met a need. Then we got a missive from from the diocese telling all clergy that they should ensure that their churches made sure they did the funerals. The reason was two-fold:

Firstly there was the question of income. After all, generally speaking, the fees from a funeral (or cremation) are 'assigned', which means that they go to the diocese. This isn't the case with independent and unattached retired clergy. If they do it - they get it!

Secondly, funerals are actually one of the best opportunities we get to meet people within our parishes. We lose great pastoral opportunities if we lose these.

There are so many churches across our nation who would struggle to cover services were it not for willing and active retired clergy. The key is to provide assistance and not to meddle. One who offered to come to a church I was in also offered advice on the other clergy in the area and fed in a little spin to keep everything on the wrong foot. Malicious, bitter or mischievous? I'm still not sure, but he only came once.

I am a firm believer in not muzzling the ox that treads, or has trodden, the grain and see in those who have retired and engaged in house for duty (something we need to preserve for the retired clergy rather than provide for others who might fancy the role perhaps?)  and see them getting the money for the funerals as right and proper. I feel the same about those who, though retired, are willing to act as part of a parish and take up the slack, enabling the pastoral opportunity to remain whilst they too get the money.

As for the rest? If only they'd remember their own attitudes to what they now do before they retired, might change their attitudes and moderate their actions. Hey Ho!

2 comments:

UKViewer said...

Vic, perhaps you are right in saying that some retired clergy can be a problem through meddling or interference and obviously have the evidence to support it.

I can only say from my own experience, that we have five retired Priests who officiate as locums ministers in our benefice, and we do not have a word to say against any of them.

Their availability to us is a blessing and we thank God for them. One is actually my SD and a better relationship, I could not wish for.

Perhaps the fact that my parish is near Canterbury helps, there are quite a few retired priests in the vicinity, but not all serve in our benefice.

The relationship between the Vicar and each of them is one of trust and personal friendship and they unfailingly respond to his wishes.

I am also aware that they have friends in former parishes and are often sought out for perhaps advice and guidance - but I also know that invariably, they refer the individual back to the current incumbent.

I know how fortunate we are to be blessed in this way, and we thank them each year with a service and perhaps hospitality around Christmas time.

Vic Van Den Bergh said...

Generally my experience is positive too!

Without the services of those willing to continue we'd never be able to do stuff and we certainly wouldn't be able to get a Sunday away from the paris.

We have two such people who are very much part of the church family - but, as the experiences of others show - there are always some who make life (and perhaps pastoral ministry) a little more difficult too!

Pax,

V