Retired Clergy
Retirement for clergy is, for each one, a personal and unique phase of life and ministry. It can provide new opportunities to keep growing in faith and faithfulness, in response to the grace of the Spirit gifted in ordination.
In this new phase of life and ministry retired clergy will have the possibility and challenge of determining the shape of their life and ministry with a greater degree of flexibility. Many remain in active service in their local churches or in other roles in consultancy or chaplaincy.
All are valued for who they are as well as for what they do and remain under the care of the Bishop, focussed in the work of his Retired Clergy Officers.
Approaching retirement
Preparation for retirement is important to ensure a good transition from a busy ministerial role to the opportunities and challenges of being retired. The Church of England booklet Ministry after retiring from office is a helpful resource setting out the retirement process and the issues to consider.
Financial planning for retirement should start as early as possible during ministry. This should include consideration of pension and housing for retirement. The Pensions Board provides information on financial planning and recommends seeking independent financial advice and introduces their partner, the Ecclesiastical Financial Advisory Service (EFAS).
The diocese provides access to pre-retirement courses, which address the personal and spiritual aspects of the prospect of retiring. For details, please contact Neil Smart to book onto the Transitions in Ministry Pre-Retirement course. You can attend at any time up to three years before your expected retirement date.
The Retired Clergy Officers are available to help and advise those approaching retirement. Contact:
- Isle of Wight: James Cook
- Mainland: David Isaac
Retiring
If retiring before the age of 70, office holders need to give 3 months’ notice of their intention to retire. However, in practice, many office holders informally discuss their retirement plans many months in advance with their Archdeacon.
The formal resignation letter to the Bishop will trigger the following:
- A Deed of Resignation to sign and have witnessed.
- If appropriate, a letter from the Property Team with details of the responsibilities of the office holder prior to leaving the property. A copy of the letter will need to be handed over to the churchwarden/key holder responsible for the property once it is empty.
- The Archdeacon will meet the outgoing clergy to discuss any parish matters that the Archdeacon ought to be aware of.
- The outgoing clergy should contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer and Archdeacon to pass on any confidential safeguarding information or concerns, which their successor needs to be aware of.
At the same time, retiring clergy should contact the Pensions Board, who need 3 months’ notice to arrange pension payments.
Normally, office holders should vacate the property within two weeks from the date on which they cease to hold office. In the case of retirement, this is extended to one month.
Clergy Pensions
The clergy pension scheme – known as the Church of England Funded Pension Scheme (CEFPS) – provides a typical ‘defined benefit’ pension. The terms of the pension have been improved with effect from 2026. You receive a pension based on your length of service and the National Minimum Stipend.
Detailed information and guidance is available from the Pensions Board.