Church of England vicars are calling for an increase in their pensions, citing concerns that many are facing financial hardship in their retirement, with some relying on food banks or living with their children. Nearly 2,000 Church of England clergy have joined a Facebook action group and over 700 have signed a letter to the Church Times, demanding urgent action on this issue.

Reverend Marcus Gibbs, the vicar of the Ascension church in Balham, London, and the leading signatory of the letter, describes the situation as a justice and moral issue, asserting that it is essential for the church to ensure that its clergy members can have a dignified retirement after dedicating their lives to the church’s service.

The action group is pushing for the church to reverse a 2011 cut to pensions that resulted in retiring vicars now receiving half, instead of two-thirds, of the minimum clergy stipend. Moreover, most of the active clergy receive housing, which they lose upon retirement. This pension cut came after increasing the qualifications for a full clergy pension from 37 to 41.5 years, meaning clergy with fewer years of service get less than 50% of the minimum stipend.

Despite these challenges, the Church of England’s assets have grown in value to £10.4 billion. Gibbs emphasizes that providing a sufficient pension is crucial for both business and moral reasons, arguing that individuals should not live in fear of a destitute old age.

Personal stories from retired vicars paint a dire picture. One noted that after 40 years of service, their pension barely covers rent and they face impossible choices between basic necessities like food and medicine. Another mentioned having to move in with their children due to an insufficient pension, feeling like a burden, and regretting not having a home to call their own.

The call for an independent review of pension provision and the archbishop’s council motion to restore pensions to pre-2011 levels, which passed unanimously, underscore the urgency and widespread support for change. It remains to be seen how the church will respond to these compelling demands for justice and solutions to ensure a financially secure retirement for its dedicated clergy.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/03/c-of-e-vicars-call-for-urgent-and-decisive-action-on-increasing-their-pensions