This new edition of the Guidelines for the Professional Conduct of the Clergy is a revised and extended version of the first edition, which was published in 2003 by the Convocations of the Clergy. It is not a formal code of conduct, but a reflection by the Convocations on the words of the Ordinal, addressed to the clergy at the time of their ordination to the ministry of the Church. It draws on the wide experience of the clergy who belong to the General Synod, with contributions from the House of Bishops and the House of Laity. The Guidelines are offered as a means of sharing the fruits of accrued wisdom and experience with colleagues, especially those beginning a new life as ordained ministers, and with all engaged in the mission and ministry of the Church. This new edition takes account of significant developments since 2003, including the publication of a new Ordinal, the new Clergy Discipline Measure, new terms of service for the clergy via Common Tenure, and most recently the comprehensive work which is being undertaken throughout the Church with regard to Safeguarding.

This Report places before the clergy, bishops, priests and deacons, and the whole Church, guidelines for the professional conduct of all those called to ordained ministry. These are offered by clergy to clergy, but they have significance for the laity to whom the clergy minister and with whom they share the challenge of mission. The Guidelines are not a legal code, but the beginning of an ongoing conversation in which ministers and those to whom they minister need to engage.

This highly readable book explains the scope and detail of the newly revised Guidelines for the professional conduct of the clergy, which shape and define how clergy should act and behave. The book brings together a number of experts in the field, who draw on the Ordinal (as the basis of the Guidelines), writing engagingly on key elements in the life of clergy today. Paula Gooder wrestles with the exhilaratingly tricky question, ‘What would Jesus do?’ John Pritchard responds with characteristic humour and wisdom to the challenge of remaining ‘white hot in our desire for God year after year’. Robert Innes draws on his unexpected call to the ministry while meditating on Jesus’ self-sacrificial pastoral leadership. Paul Butler writes with authority and compassion about the complexities of safeguarding. Jamie Harrison reflects on the humility, cost and joy of ‘telling the story of God’s love’. Russ Parker finds that blessing others means being vulnerable and empathetic to the pain common to us all. Stephen Cherry offers witty yet powerful insights on giving leadership. Kate Bruce writes captivatingly on imagination as indispensable to the life of faith. Magdalen Smith illuminates the creative tension of living faithfully in public and private. David Walker assures us that the very wounds we bear from our journeys so far enable us to minister to others. ‘Faithful relationships are fundamental to maintaining and improving the life of the Church. It is my fervent desire that increasing trust, particularly that which flows from trustworthy clergy, will transform God’s world.’ Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, from the Foreword

This highly readable book explains the scope and detail of the newly revised Guidelines for the professional conduct of the clergy, which shape and define how clergy should act and behave. The book brings together a number of experts in the field, who draw on the Ordinal (as the basis of the Guidelines), writing engagingly on key elements in the life of clergy today.

Managing Clergy Lives gives a unique insight into the everyday lives of Church of England parish priests. It examines how men and women priests manage their many and everyday commitments to God, the Church and their personal relationships. In a fast-changing world, Managing Clergy Lives shows how the vocational commitment of priests to their ordinal vows remains steadfast. For today's clergy, the ordained life means obedience, sacrifice and a loss of intimacy, embodied in spiritual self-discipline and the ultimate dedication of body and soul to God. Written by an Anglican Bishop (Peyton) in Dundee and a Senior Lecturer from Lancaster University (Gatrell), Managing Clergy Lives opens a window onto clergy households in terms of personal relationships, spirituality and work-home balance. Drawing upon in-depth interviews with 46 Area/Rural Deans, it reports their everyday experiences using their own words. The book reveals the stories behind the enduring commitment within the Church and gets behind the scenes in order to understand the staying power of men and women who are 'becoming priests' across a lifetime.