For your interest – here is a summary of the outcome of a motion brought to Melbourne
(Anglican) diocesan synod this year. The original motion, responding to a recently
released research report on clergy stress, called for synod to encourage all clergy to
take two days-off per week. I was disappointed not to be at synod to contribute to the
debate. I’ve told my friend who replied to my request for info that I’m happy to
contribute to any formal enquiry following the synod discussion.

Dear Lance,

The debate on clergy having two days off took the full amount of time available for
debate.

There was no opposition to clergy taking adequate time for rest and relaxation, but there
was nervousness about ‘legislating’ for them to take two days off.

The reasons for this may be summarized as follows: 1. the problem is probably that people
don’t take their entitlements, rather than that their entitlements are insufficient. 2.
Scripture lays down the principal of one day of rest. 3. committed lay people in the full
time work force only get one ‘day off’ by the time the many hours that they put in to
church work are taken into account.

In the end Muriel Porter agreed to an amendment which meant that the motion urged clergy
to take their time off entitlements and encouraged vestries to positively encourage this.

The whole debate was a bit spoilt by there being as many as 10 alternative amendments,
which made the process a bit farcical in the end.

In summary though, there was recognition that this is a major issue calling for careful
attention.

With kind regards

David

Regards, Lance Lawton