A Clergy Husband's Survival Guide

by Matthew Caminer

Women now comprise almost half the priests serving in the Church of England. As a result, there are many male clergy spouses who have had to come to terms with the seismic shift that occurs in family life when a wife embarks on the journey from exploration of vocation - through selection, training and formation - to ordination and a life of ministry. The author had his own busy career when he suddenly found himself playing second fiddle rather than being the 'doer' in the household. Not only did this subtly affect his marriage, but as friends and acquaintances became 'parishioners', he was required to respect boundaries, to be discreet and often to carry the burden of unsought confidentiality. Drawing on these experiences and those of many fellow clergy spouses, this volume is a practical, informative and engaging guide to the joys and challenges of being married to a vicar. Part one deals with the process from initial call to ordination and beyond. Part two helps clergy husbands work through what their new role might involve. Part three looks at lifestyle and family issues, while Part four offers support and sensible advice if things go wrong.

128 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2012

Reviews

[Felicity Terry · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book that though largely aimed at the clergy husband many sections equally apply to the clergy wife as well. Indeed I'd even go as far as to say many will apply to the vicar him/herself.

Readable (I liked the fact there was no deep theology), humorous yet informative and practical (I particularly liked the chapters dealing with the issues surrounding the identity of being a clergy husband ... or indeed wife) BUT it has to be said some of the content did leave me worrying about things I hadn't thought to worry about before ... and believe me when it came to worrying I thought I had just about every eventuality covered. Then there was the fact that, obviously a Christian himself, the book didn't delve into what happens when your spouse is of a different/no faith or indeed of the same sex ... but then that really is a whole other story.

Copyright: Tracy Terry@ Pen and Paper

[Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Does what it says on the cover: it covers in frank detail how to cope with the pitfalls of 'the process' from calling to collaring and on into further ministry. If you are, or about to be, a clergy husband (or wife!) and want a framework for thinking through the issues of your own role (beyond scones and sunday school!) then this book is it. Matthew Caminer is a good speaker as well, so if your spouse's training institution offers a 'spouses'' talk go to it; and if not, ask to put one on. You need support, and to know you are not alone.
In terms of specific contents there are sections on managing money, family life, your home, what help's on offer when things go wrong (e.g. disease, death, sex ) as well as providing links for further reading and thinking. Try to read it as a couple.

[Roy]

It's too late for me! Save yourselves!