Archbishop pays tribute to charity that supports clergy
One of the UK’s oldest charities, which supports clergy and their families, was a “bearer of hope” for those in need, said the Archbishop of Wales at its annual Festival.
Clergy Support Trust existed for others, inviting kindness and goodness, said Archbishop Andrew John in his address at the 369th Festival at St Paul’s Cathedral on May 7.
Like the Samaritan, in Christ’s parable, who helped a stranger left to die on a roadside, Clergy Support Trust showed God’s love to others – and that was a love which had the power to overcome the “real and serious” threats facing the world today.
The Archbishop said, “Restoring human beings lies at the heart of God’s mission. Life in its fullness must mean more than repeating spiritual experiences.
“In the great existential threats and challenges we face, what is most likely to succeed? What has power to overcome, offering a good future? There will be those who think the power of bullet and bomb is all that is needed to wield ultimate control. And the threat posed is surely real and serious.
Restoring human beings lies at the heart of God’s mission
“But I believe the future belongs to those who love. Who not only model it, as though from conviction at an intellectual level, but whose whole being is so wrapped up in grace and love that they become bearers of hope in an altogether different way.
“When we see the needs of others because this is who we are and what we do, we come close to the Samaritan of our story.
“The work of Clergy Support Trust stands within this kind of vision. It exists for others. It enables a better way of existing, helping and aiding. It cannot match the depths of the vision of the Samaritan story, but is one part, perhaps, of inviting kindness and goodness. And that is why we are here this evening and what makes our presence and support so important.”
More than 1,500 people attended the Festival at St Paul’s Cathedral, filling it almost to capacity. The Festival is an act of worship, free and open to all, to give thanks for Anglican clergy and to celebrate the work of Clergy Support Trust. It is also the longest-running choral celebration of its kind in the world, having first taken place in 1655, and this year featured the combined voices of Durham, Rochester and St Paul’s Cathedral choirs.
The Revd Ben Cahill-Nicholls, chief executive officer of CST, said, “It was a privilege to welcome Archbishop Andrew to the 369th Festival. As well as giving an engaging sermon, this was a wonderful opportunity for us to reaffirm our commitment to the Church in Wales, to supporting their clergy and to playing our role, alongside the Archbishop and others, in helping them to thrive in their lives and ministry.”
Last year, Clergy Support Trust helped more than 2,700 households with £6.2m in grants, including £172,000 to the Church in Wales. Last year, they provided 44% more in grants to serving and retired Church in Wales clergy than in the previous year.