One third of Christian ministers want to quit their jobs in the next two years due to stress, study finds

•  Survey by the Unite union also found 89 per cent suffer work-related stress
•  Of those ministers surveyed, 72 per cent were from the Church of England
•  Dwindling attendances and donations have left vicars under rising pressure

One in three clergy members wants to quit in the next two years due to the stress of their job, a study has found.

A survey of nearly 1,000 Christian ministers by the Unite union – revealed exclusively today by The Mail on Sunday – also shows that 89 per cent suffer work-related stress, leading to anxiety and continual tiredness. 

Of those surveyed, 72 per cent were from the Church of England.

Dwindling attendances and donations have left vicars under increasing pressure to raise funds, and the Rev Sam Maginnis, of Holy Trinity Church in Horsham, West Sussex, believes that many are facing burnout.

‘Clergy are having to go off sick for extended periods with stress and breakdowns,’ he said. ‘It is reaching a crisis point.

One in three clergy members wants to quit in the next two years due to the stress of their job, a study by the Unite union has found

‘This is a vocation and people come into it with the greatest ideals, but they find themselves ground by the realities. 

‘The modern diocese sets all these targets to raise money. But many feel they are not being supported with a friendly, listening ear.’

Sarah Cook, who represents faith workers at Unite, said: ‘All religious groups need to take a hard look at whether they are providing the right conditions for their workers. 

‘Talking about caring for the needy is one thing. Taking action when their own are in need is another.’

Dwindling attendances and donations have left vicars under increasing pressure to raise funds

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