'It's a bit like adultery'

I wonder if you've ever stopped to think about the process by which clergy move on?

It's an interesting process, one which quite accurately (I assume) is, as the title of the entry has it, 'A bit like adultery!' The reason for this is that being in a clerical post is a bit like being married and so , whilst still in that relationship, one starts to look around for a new partner - and as much as people mock those who find themselves seeking mail order brides - this is the reality for clergy.  Except that instead of a glossy magazine the Church Times is the medium of choice.

The problem is that regardless of the situation, it is just not done to put out the general notice that you fancy a change - it doesn't go down well with the other half! You might tell your friends and perhaps use one of them to get an introduction to someone you fancy but generally it's all done by stealth. After all, the majority of those who have seen their partner vanish with a new love are usually totally surprised by it all - the never saw it coming, or thought of the other half leaving.

The stress of knowing that a colleague has decided to leave and is in the process of courting a new partner coupled with the pressure of continuing to talk to those in their current church as if they will be in the relationship for ever is something awful. The need to portray that which will never be as if it will be to enable the 'leavee' to seek, interview and set up their move is absolute and yet, much like supporting those who are engaged in something adulterous, uncomfortable.

When I worked in the world of supporting the long-term unemployed I would encourage those seeking a new post to network and to put their intent 'out there'. You use your contacts, acquaintances and friends to open the doors for you and whilst this sometimes works as a cleric but generally it's down to church organisations, the clerical press, the various vacancy lists and a cloak of secrecy.

Of course, in the bad old days, you'd get a call from your bishop who would 'suggest' a move and would effectively manage, or at least assist, your ministerial journey. Now, if the various experiences of clergy I have chatted too are anything to go by, the bishops are generally useless line managers with regard to moves and often less helpful that a chocolate fire blanket! a colleague in a diocese down South upon mentioning that they felt the time was right for a move was told of a couple of good jobs (which would have been 'just right') which had been filled in the past months!

Now that leaves me despairing and more than a little confused!

ps. My colleague was so depressed by the experience and the woeful quality of care and support from their pointyhat that they binned them, the diocese and Cofe ministry. another reason the Green report has some merit Methinks.