The Church of England is providing therapy for clergy members who have encountered “racial trauma” during their ministry.
These individual therapy sessions, funded by the CofE’s Racial Justice Unit, will be conducted by professionals specialising in “social justice and therapeutic healing”.
The programme, called “Healing Together”, is being offered by the Diocese of London, and allows eligible clergy to receive up to six sessions of “trauma-informed coaching”.
The therapy sessions will investigate experiences of racism and discrimination, with the diocese website asking clergy: “Are you struggling with the impact of racial trauma?”
It adds: “We recognise the burden of racial discrimination, micro-aggressions, and systemic injustice and how heavily this can weigh on your mental and emotional wellbeing, especially as you strive to lead others.”
The Church of England has been criticised in recent years for its efforts to promote diversity, equality, and inclusion, with detractors labelling these initiatives as “anti-Christian” and a “self-destructive move” for the Church.
Controversy arose when the Church revealed plans for a £100million fund to make amends for its historical ties to slavery and address the “lasting impacts of enslavement”.
This follows the Church’s recent job posting for a “Head of Racial Justice Priority”, offering a salary twice that of a typical vicar.
The creation of a “racially just church” is being driven by the Diocese of London.
Their position offers an annual salary of £66,646, which is almost twice the £31,644 earned by parish priests in the diocese.
The new pilot therapy programme will provide up to six sessions for seven clergy members, with the diocese planning to seek additional funding if the initiative proves successful.
Launched on Thursday by the Bishop of Edmonton, the Rt Revd Anderson Jeremiah, who leads on racial justice for the Diocese of London, the service aims to address the challenges faced by clergy.
Bishop Jeremiah said that despite the diocese being “one of the most diverse in the country,” he had “far too often” heard of clergy experiencing harm or being let down “due to the colour of their skin”.
He added: “This trial is a landmark first step forward for the diocese, and I pray that clergy within London and beyond who have been affected by racism can find support, healing, and the continued strength to fight for change.”
