I wish Fergus Butler-Gallie well in his trade union activity with Anglican priests (Bullying, evictions, contract disputes: no wonder we priests need a trade union, 27 February). The mainstream churches have long been ambivalent in their understanding of employment. During 38 years as a full-time Methodist minister, I was intrigued by the way in which we paid both Paye and a self-employed national insurance contribution. This was felt by some as a bit of an unfair imposition at the time, but I have discovered that the resultant state pension is pretty good in retirement.
From the 1980s onwards, there were Methodist ministers who felt that a clergy branch of a trade union was the way forward. My own record is a bit different. As a part-time free church chaplain (1980-86) at a large district general hospital, it felt right for a colleague and myself to join the local branch of the National Union of Public Employees as an act of solidarity with lower-paid workers.
The pinnacle of my union career came when two chaplains and a room full of cleaners were ritually ejected by a very large police officer from the occupation of the boardroom on the day when management were set to privatise the jobs of our fellow trade unionists. The photograph in the local paper was probably a contribution to my being told in due course that there was not enough support for the renewal of my appointment in the local Methodist circuit. Sometimes you just have to do what you believe to be right and face the consequences.
As a minister, I had a job for life – somewhere – and I moved on to an interesting post in Salford. Millions do not enjoy that sort of security, and trade unions are needed as much as ever, if not more so.
Geoff Reid
Bradford
• Rev Fergus Butler-Gallie highlights clergy vulnerability issues very well. Having been ordained for 34 years, I have seen safeguards eroded, and the church has become depressingly over-bureaucratic and centralised. Fear of the future has played its part too, as we struggle financially and try to maintain a presence.
Bishops have become CEOs. Archdeacons think they are bishops. Parish clergy numbers decline. We are a bit like the Royal Navy; plenty of admirals as the fleet shrinks.
Too often the church has lost its pastoral heart and the hierarchy have become remote, detached figures. So come on, my reverend brothers and sisters, get that union card in your pocket!
Rev Frank R Cain
St Luke’s church, Walton, Liverpool
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