35th Annual General Meeting April 2018

Broken RItes AGM A5 24pp Booklet_v2.indd 1 07/03/2018 16:27 Foreword from the Rt. Hon Frank Field, President

It is with great pleasure that I provide a forward for this the 35th Broken Rites Annual Report. I am happy to report that that Broken Rites is in good heart and good shape. The number of members has increased and thanks to generous donations the fi nances are more secure. The committee now has the opportunity to consider additional ways of offering support.

These positive trends may be linked to increased use of social media, including Facebook and Twitter, but equally they may conceal more worrying developments. For example the increase in members may be because more clergy marriages and partnerships are breaking down but unless and until such fi gures are made available this cannot be tested.

Similarly the increase in members may be as a result of poorer provision for separated spouses/partners. I understand that differences between denominations and differences between the various Dioceses in the Church of England are becoming more obvious, so that whilst some people receive excellent support others receive little and feel that their voices are not heard nor their problems understood. Here I shall work with your Committee so that the Church responds positively, as I’m sure they will. The practical and pastoral care separated spouses/partners receive varies according to where they live and which church their spouse belongs to.

I have been concerned to hear that separated spouses/partners of members of the clergy are once again experiencing homelessness or are precariously housed and that fewer are being helped with housing by the churches. Many are in insecure privately-rented accommodation with the fear of rent rises and forced moves for the rest of their lives. That this does not need to be so was demonstrated at the 2017 AGM when members heard how the Church of Scotland provides for its members, including housing support and pastoral care.

I support Broken Rites in their call for a UK-wide standard of support for this vulnerable group and I call upon all churches to make such statistics as they have available to the committee of Broken Rites so that they can plan how best to respond to the needs of separated and divorced spouses/partners of the clergy.

Broken RItes AGM A5 24pp Booklet_v2.indd 2 07/03/2018 16:27 Notice Of Broken Rites 35th Annual General Meeting to be held at Church House, Westminster (entrance on Great Smith Street) on April 21st 2018 beginning at 10.30 am

AGENDA 10.30 am Registration 11.00 am Welcome and Introductions 11.15 am Business meeting

1. Apologies 2. Opening remarks from the chair 3. Approval of minutes of 34th A.G.M. 2017 4. Matters arising from the minutes 5. Presentation of accounts 6. Appointment of Examiners for 2018 7. Annual Report 8. A few words from the Bishop’s Visitors’ Chaplain, Bishop Alastair 9. Appointment of Secretary, Hon. Treasurer and Interdenominational representative 10. Appointment of Area reps and Links 11. Any Other Business 12. Date and venue of 36th A.G.M.

Following the business meeting we welcome a few words from our President, the Honourable Frank Field M.P. 1 - 2 pm Lunch at The Abbey Centre (34 Great Smith Street, across the road from the main entrance) 2.15 pm Presentation: Sex and Spirit: Making sense and moving forward The Revd Canon Dr. Carla A. Grosch-Miller will be speaking to us about clergy sexual misconduct and how we make sense of our experience and faith in the aftermath. Carla is a practical theologian who has lived in the UK for the last 15 years. She was ordained in the United Church of Christ (US) and is now lecturing and teaching in the areas of sexual-spiritual integration and congregational trauma around the UK. 3.15 pm Closing remarks 3.30 pm Depart

Directions to Church House overleaf: (Note that no Church House parking places are available on Saturdays)

Broken RItes AGM A5 24pp Booklet_v2.indd 3 07/03/2018 16:27 Church House, Great Smith Street, Westminster London SW1P 3NZ

From St James’s Park Underground Station - Leave the station via the Broadway Exit (straight ahead) and head down Tothill Street. When you reach the end of the street, you will see Westminster Abbey. Cross over the road going towards the Abbey. Walk past the front of the Abbey towards Great Smith Street which is the fi rst road on the left, walk down this towards the main entrance which is set back in an archway. From Westminster Station - Leave the station via exit 4, turn right and walk to the fi rst set of traffi c lights on your left. Cross the road going towards the Houses of Parliament. Go straight ahead past the Houses of Parliament until you reach the next set of pedestrian lights. Turn right and walk past the front of the Abbey towards Great Smith Street which is the fi rst road on the left, walk down this towards the main entrance which is set back in an archway. From Victoria Station - From the mainline station exit and walk up Victoria Street as below. Exit the Underground at Cardinal Walk exit, turning right round the ‘pointy end’ of glass building, and then left to walk along Victoria Street towards Westminster, crossing over to the right hand side at one of the sets of traffi c lights. Walk up Victoria Street (passing Westminster Cathedral, the London Eye is just visible at the end) on right hand side until reach Abbey Orchard Street. Walk down and turn to the left. Turn right at the end into Great Smith Street, cross over and walk towards the main entrance which is set back in an archway. Bus stop for buses to Westminster is to the left of the station entrance across the main road.

Broken RItes AGM A5 24pp Booklet_v2.indd 4 07/03/2018 16:27 Broken Rites: Minutes of the 34th Annual General Meeting held on Saturday 29th April beginning at 11 am at Canongate Kirk Hall, 153 Canongate, Edinburgh, EH18 8BN

In Attendance were 22 Members and 4 Guests - Mr Alan Maxwell and the Very Reverends Ian Bishop, John Chalmers, David Lunan and John Miller.

11 am WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION Nancy Hutton-Hughes opened the meeting by welcoming all members and guests on behalf of the Broken Rites members in Scotland. She said that the purpose of the meeting was for members to enjoy themselves. Patricia Robertson gave a blessing in Gaelic which she translated as ‘God loves each one of us as if each one of us were an only child.’ Members introduced themselves, during which time Patricia (Patsy) Pitkeathly, was welcomed to her fi rst AGM.

11.15 am BUSINESS MEETING Margaret Wilkinson took the Chair.

1. APOLOGIES Apologies had been received from 25 people. These included the President of Broken Rites, the Rt Honourable Frank Field M.P.; Chaplain of the Bishop’s Visitors, the Rt Reverend Alistair Magowan; Archdeacon of Macclesfi eld, the Venerable Ian Bishop; the present Moderator of the Church of Scotland; the Episcopal Bishop of Edinburgh, the Rt Reverend John Armes, and Penny Applegate, Bishop’s Visitor for Manchester. Because of rail problems, the Co-Chairman, Dilys Stone, had also been unable to attend. Rail problems had affected several others who sent their apologies at the last minute. A further 19 ‘Non-attending’ replies had been returned in addition to the formal Apologies.

2. OPENING REMARKS FROM THE CHAIR Margaret Wilkinson thanked the Scottish members who had made newcomers to Edinburgh welcome by marshalling everyone successfully to the Canongate Kirk Hall which is not visible from the road. She reported the sad news that one member, Pat Rycroft, had died in the past year. In response to her request for a report of this meeting from a member who was attending for the fi rst time, Patsy Pitkeathly volunteered. Margaret read the letter from the President, the Right Honourable Frank Field, in which he expressed his appreciation for the work and support offered by Broken Rites during 2016/17. Referring to the Co Chairs’ offi cial Report, Margaret remarked that the organisation is ‘in good heart’ after a busy year. The social media presence has grown through Facebook; membership has increased, and an active search for new Associate Members is ongoing; it would be lovely if they had skills that they could offer to our organisation. Social Media is an effective contact point for younger members who are used to working in this way.

Broken RItes AGM A5 24pp Booklet_v2.indd 5 07/03/2018 16:27 3. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE 33rd BROKEN RITES AGM 2016 Corrections: The numbering of the AGM meetings should read as follows: 2015 - 32nd AGM; 2016 33rd AGM; 2017 - 34th AGM. Item 9: Social Mediator Co-ordinator should read Social Media Co-ordinator Item 9: For Alexander Green read Alexandra Green. Proposal: that the Minutes be Approved by the Meeting. Proposed by Pauline Pearce: Seconded by Vivienne Tillin. Passed by the Meeting nem con. The Minutes were signed by the Chairman.

4. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES The meeting was informed of post-AGM 2016 changes in offi cers. Item 8: Election of Chairman: The role of Chairman as shared between Margaret Wilkinson and Veronica Bale. Dilys Stone subsequently became Co-chairman with Margaret, and Veronica Bale became Vice Chairman. Item 9: Website Editor: Subsequent to the AGM 2016, Viv Rowett was not able to be Website Editor. Margaret Wilkinson has continued as Website Editor. Item 9: Social Media Co-ordinator: Helen Cawthorne was unable to fi ll the post. Katharine Harrison has been fi lling this role. Facebook: Subsequent to the AGM 2016, the Committee has agreed that new members of the Facebook Secret Group be admitted by two people: Katharine Harrison and the Chairman.

5. PRESENTATION OF ACCOUNTS Jonathan Tillin presented the approved Income and Expenditure Accounts for the Year Ending 31st December 2016. These had been circulated at the Meeting together with his Report and the Auditors’ Recommendations. Income is derived principally from the subscriptions from Members and Appeals. This enables Broken Rites to continue its work of support. Subscriptions come from 96 Members, 36 of whom pay by Standing Order. Out of an additional 5 Associate Members, 2 pay by Standing Order. The Treasurer thanked subscribers and invited more to subscribe. New Members are exempt from paying during their fi rst year. Afterwards they are invited to subscribe as far as they are able. The Treasurer encouraged Members to pay the full subscription of £15.00. Not only do subscriptions contribute to the continuing existence of Broken Rites, which has 140 members, but they are evidence of committed membership to outsiders who might wish to ignore the organisation. Appeal and Donations. The bi-annual Appeal to church Leaders in 2016 resulted in the welcome contribution of £5,200 from 26 bishops in the Anglican Communion in the UK and Ireland. The Treasurer thanked Bishop Alistair Magowan for his commendation letter sent out with the Appeal. He also thanked those who sent out the Appeal letters. He has sent a personalised letter of thanks to all who graciously responded. The Treasurer also thanked those who have made donations over and above their subscriptions in other ways. Interest earned on savings is negligible. Considering the amounts donated to Broken Rites the Treasurer reported that the committee had agreed to request an accountant contact the HMRC Offi ce to enquire about our tax situation. We are awaiting a response.

Broken RItes AGM A5 24pp Booklet_v2.indd 6 07/03/2018 16:27 Expenditure refl ects the supportive role of Broken Rites in enabling members from different places to meet. Most expenditure is on reimbursement of travel fees, both for the Committee meetings, but also for local meetings facilitated by the Links and Reps. The development of social media is proving to be productive in providing support. Assets. Broken Rites holds no reported assets. Accounts Management is worked using an Excel Workbook to facilitate tracking of accounts and for producing frequent reports for the Executive Offi cers and committee meetings.

Auditors’ Recommendations. These were added to the printed Treasurer’s Report. The Auditors, Sue Bamber (formerly Atack) and Dilys Stone, thanked Jonathan for his diligence, accuracy and effi ciency. They were pleased to note that the total expenditure for 2016 was lower than for the previous year, and the response to the Church Leaders Appeal had been very good. They recommended that the Treasurer consider changing to Internet banking, which would be easier and quicker especially for the following: • Payment of members’ expenses • Settlement of invoices to suppliers • Receipt of subscriptions and other income • Payment and receipts made in Euros.

The Treasurer will consider this option in the coming year. The Treasurer thanked the Auditors for their Examination of the Accounts and their Recommendations.

During the questions raised, the following points were made: Re the Church Leaders’ Appeal. No donation had been received from the Church of Scotland. There had been three responses from the Anglican Church in Ireland. During the discussion about contacting the Church of Scotland whose Moderator is in post for only one year, the Scottish members suggest that people holding permanent posts should be contacted. It was agreed that advice would be sought from the three speakers in the afternoon.

The Accounts were Received and Approved by the Meeting. Proposed by Rosemary Aveyard Seconded by Jenny Smith

6. APPOINTMENT OF AUDITORS FOR 2017 The Meeting agreed that Sue Bamber and Dilys Stone be appointed Auditors/Independent Examiners for the current fi nancial year, 2017. Proposed by Pauline Pearce Seconded by Rosie Richards

7. ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 The Chairman thanked all who had contributed to the Reports and thanked Valerie for their professional presentation. The Reports were Received and Accepted by the Meeting. Proposed by Patricia Robertson Seconded by Nancy Hutton-Hughes

Broken RItes AGM A5 24pp Booklet_v2.indd 7 07/03/2018 16:27 8. APPOINTMENTS On behalf of the Members, the Chairman thanked the Offi cers who were standing down at this meeting: Valerie Hales as Editor of Rite Lines; Veronica Bale as membership Secretary, and Viv Tillin for long service on the Committee in various roles for 14 years. Each received a token of thanks. Viv Tillin spoke of her rich experience and reminded the more recent Committee Members to use her as a resource should they need advice. She asked them ‘not to re-invent the wheel’. Vacancies were fi lled as follows: MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY Vivienne Rowett volunteered. NEWSLETTER EDITOR Janet Forbes volunteered.

Laptop computer: Janet Forbes will need a laptop computer to perform her tasks as Newsletter Editor. The Meeting agreed that Broken Rites should supply this. Proposed by Patricia Robertson Seconded by Anna May Watson

WEB EDITOR Jonathan Tillin Proposed by Katharine Harrison Seconded by Patricia Robertson SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR Katharine Harrison agreed to continue in her support role until another person is appointed. PUBLICITY OFFICER None was appointed. It was hoped that a member from the Facebook pages would be encouraged to take up this role, especially working with social media. Maggie will liaise with the Social Media Coordinator to start a conversation. It was suggested that a better description of this post would be Publicity ‘Co-ordinator’. It might be advisable to appoint 2 such co-ordinators - for England and Wales, and Scotland.

9. APPOINTMENT OF AREA REPRESENTATIVES and LINK MEMBERS The Chairman thanked all the Area Links and Reps who are often the fi rst point of contact with the Group. Appointments were made as follows:

AREA REPS NORTH WEST Sue Bamber will contact Beth Gardner to share this post with her. EAST MIDLANDS Viv Rowett volunteered to fi ll this post in addition to her role as Membership Secretary. EAST OF ENGLAND Teresa Nichols has offered to be the Link Member. Teresa is already Link for St Albans. Barbara Stapleford has offered to be Rep for East of England SOUTH WEST ENGLAND is currently vacant Members in that area would be contacted to ask if one of them would serve as a ‘point of contact’, if not as a Rep. The few men who have recently joined would be sounded out about giving mutual support.

10. ANY OTHER BUSINESS During this time the meeting was opened to the fl oor for comments and discussion. Skype Communications of Meetings: The possibility of using digital communications had arisen in Committee Meetings. It would have been advantageous to have set up a digital link to the present AGM for Members who could not attend. Katharine Harrison was prepared to record the afternoon speakers using her i-pad. The Meeting asked the Committee to pursue the possibility of using this method of communication.

Broken RItes AGM A5 24pp Booklet_v2.indd 8 07/03/2018 16:27 Membership: There had been a slight rise in Membership. The issues around secrecy seemed to be less than in the past, and wives in the throes of separation or divorce seemed less likely to feel ashamed and blame themselves. The membership is diverse with people of all ages, and now includes a small number of men. Elderly divorced and separated spouses might be in more need of support than when they were younger, when they felt little need of Broken Rites’ support. How can we be certain we are ‘picking them up’? For this reason, the newsletter/magazine ‘Rite Lines’ is still an important contact for those who do not use Facebook or other internet communications. Issues surrounding clergy marriage breakdown: The meeting acknowledged that an analysis of common issues and experiences (such as isolation from former friends) would be useful. The Archdeacon of Macclesfi eld, Ian Bishop, is researching clergy attitudes to their own marriage breakdown. He had wanted to attend this meeting but had sent his apologies. He has been invited to speak to ordinands at Cranmer hall. He would be honoured to speak to a Broken Rites AGM.

11. DATE AND VENUE OF the 35th AGM of BROKEN RITES 2018 This will be at Church House, Westminster, London on April 21st, 2018.

The Business Meeting Closed at 1 pm.

LUNCH During the buffet Lunch, members and guests mingled and networked. 1.55 pm The Meeting re-assembled for the Presentation and Discussion. Nancy Hutton-Hughes took the Chair. Janet Forbes read a poem she had composed before a Broken Rites meeting. Nancy introduced the speakers, each of whom had served as Moderator of the Church of Scotland: A. The Very Reverend John P. Chalmers, who had been involved in the Board of Ministry in the Church of Scotland, addressed the Meeting on ‘Changing the Culture Which Leads to Abuse’. John explained that in the mid 1990s, his post had involved him in giving support to clergy families. One of the problems he had met was the fact that minister’s families in diffi culties do not admit to needing help. He was made aware of situations where no intervention to save a marriage was possible. In most cases, the wife and children had to leave the manse, which raised a subsequent whole range of issues. He said he had been a committed supporter of Broken Rites as long as he has been involved in pastoral ministry. He has promoted recognition of the work of Broken Rites amongst the clergy of the Church of Scotland, and has been involved in making arrangements for the support of estranged wives. His work posed two questions: why are women left in such a vulnerable state by the church, and what cultural shifts are required to change this? The short answer to his fi rst question was that Men run the church. Women become invisible to men in power. The answer to the second was highlighted in a Christian Aid workshop on Gender Justice, where it was made clear to him that the world is not so much ‘maladjusted’ as ‘male-adjusted’. He described the situation in South Sudan, which is torn apart by war, and where women are abused and ignored. The key to peace in that region lies in the hands of the women who are at the sharp end of practical living. The men there and in the church need to face up to themselves and their attitudes towards women. This calls for an Act of Repentance; an acknowledgment of the ‘sins of the Fathers’. For this reason, he encouraged members of Broken Rites to continue their support for clergy spouses, and to work for the radical change of attitude which is needed in the churches.

Broken RItes AGM A5 24pp Booklet_v2.indd 9 07/03/2018 16:27 B. The Very Reverend David Lunan addressed the meeting on ‘When faith makes it more diffi cult’. David spoke in personal terms about the abyss of deception and betrayal which he had found when meeting clergy families in breakdown. In Broken Rites, he had discovered a group of people who had weathered the storm and survived, for whom the church should be providing, but does not. He spoke of the crisis of faith when God is silent as everything falls apart; when the sense of guilt that ‘I must have done something wrong’ can be mirrored in the responses of people who were once friends. He observed that when there is marital breakdown, it is always worse for people with faith. As a result of this, we may reach a place where there can be no more hidden agenda or game-playing. He quoted Richard Rohr* who spoke of the Cross being the primary symbol of the Christian faith; there is ‘fi rst life’ Christianity before breakdown; after which there is ‘second life Christianity. This is where transformation and new life can emerge. He spoke of the community of Broken Rites being evidence of this new life. Comments after this talk expressed relief and thanks at being able to share our problems so openly with such honesty. In the light of the saying ‘Your secrets will either make or break you’, Broken Rites provides a safe space where people can open up and share the guilt burden of failing to live up to the high standards of marriage as taught by the Church. Honesty is the key to the Gospel, but unfortunately, the churches are more successful at making people feel guilty than forgiven.

C. The Very Reverend John Miller addressed the meeting on ‘What happens to a vow when it is broken?’ John again spoke directly from the heart of his own experience. He pointed out that the common thread shared by all members of Broken Rites was the ‘thing you wish had never happened’. The experience of Broken Rites should be a resource for all those approaching ministry in the Church of Scotland. He spoke of his fi rst placement as minister in a large housing estate where he conducted 50 weddings a year. The fi rst wedding, which he conducted with great seriousness, did not survive the honeymoon. The husband was violent; this killed the marriage and the vows. After this, could the other vow made by the wife survive? During the process of a conducting a blessing for a second marriage, the reading about loyalty from the Book of Ruth re-awakened in the wife the memory of the vows she had taken during her fi rst wedding. Those vows had not survived. He spoke of the double vows taken by ministers of the church: the vows of marriage and the vows of ordination. Which come fi rst? Many ministers give priority to their vows to the church; he personally missed the birth of his fi rst child because of such a confl ict of interests. Congregations do not recognise this. They put clergy on a pedestal and do not believe when a minister breaks the vows of marriage. John quoted a frail 94 year old minister friend who confessed to him, ‘It’s the sadness of it that I don’t think I can bear’. These three addresses moved the meeting deeply. Nancy thanked them for their personal honesty in sharing.

The Meeting closed at 4 pm after tea.

* Richard Rohr ‘Falling Upward’

Broken RItes AGM A5 24pp Booklet_v2.indd 10 07/03/2018 16:27 Co-Chairs’ Annual Report It seems as though all annual reports begin with “this has been another busy year”. This has indeed been another busy year for Broken Rites. The good news is that the committee has been at full strength and that the membership has continued to grow. Enquiries keep coming in and many people have been supported through diffi cult and distressing times. The bad news is that it seems as though the support we offer is even more necessary now than a few years ago. It would be so much better if there was no longer a need for Broken Rites.

The AGM in Edinburgh was not as well attended as those in London because of the distance and also on this occasion problems with rail travel. However those who were there enjoyed excellent hosting, a stimulating programme and a warm and friendly atmosphere. Throughout the year the committee has continued to work quietly behind the scenes. This year our Secretary Rosina, Treasurer Jon, and Inter- denominational rep Ruth are all coming to the end of their terms of offi ce. We extend our thanks to them for all that they have done over the years. This means that there are vacancies on the committee to be fi lled. Do please consider whether you would be able to take on one of these roles or one of the three vacant Area rep positions. Job descriptions are included with this Annual Report.

One of the areas of concern during 2017 has been the increasing problems members are facing with housing. Those who are in the throes of separation fi nd it increasingly diffi cult to get accommodation and a number have reported being amongst the hidden homeless, staying with family or friends. Of those who have been separated for some time many feel very insecure in their housing because of increasing rents and having to move at a time not of their choosing. The last Sunday in January is kept as Homelessness Sunday and as we write this we fi nd ourselves asking how can we persuade churches which are concerned about housing to address the very real problems still being faced by those who have lived in tied housing but have had to leave because their marriage has ended.

At the beginning of the year we learnt of the possibility of a Covenant of Clergy Wellbeing for the Church of England. Margaret was able to attend the debate in the House of Clergy in February and to discuss ways in which Broken Rites members might be involved in the consultation. Pavlina Wilkin, HR manager- Clergy at Church House, will be attending our AGM with a view to meeting members and hearing their stories. In May we were delighted that Yvonne Warren agreed to act as our eyes and ears at General Synod. Yvonne is a psycho-therapist and the author of “The Cracked Pot”. She was a Bishop’s Visitor for many years and so knows our situation well. She is also a member of the Clergy Well-being Working Group that will report back to General Synod in July 2019.

In February Ian Bishop, Archdeacon of Macclesfi eld contacted us as he was writing a dissertation on self-control focussing on clergy who commit adultery. Perhaps unsurprisingly he was fi nding it diffi cult to recruit adulterers who were willing to talk. He interviewed a number of our members and has subsequently been involved in training programmes for other archdeacons who are supporting those experiencing marital breakdown.

We are grateful to the support given to our members who were previously married to clergy in the Church of England this year by charities including The Foundation of Edward Storey, the Sons and Friends of the Clergy and Newton’s Trust. In May, Margaret and Katharine met with the recently appointed CEO of

Broken RItes AGM A5 24pp Booklet_v2.indd 13 07/03/2018 16:27 the Sons and Friends of the Clergy to discuss the support needs of Broken Rites members. As a result the grant giving process has been simplifi ed. Sadly there seems to be no possibility that the aims of the charity can be altered to include members who have no connection with the Church of England.

Our social media presence has continued to grow. There are now 54 members of the Facebook group which is a much appreciated source of rapid support for those who belong to it. We now have a presence on Twitter exchanges@BrokenRites. The beginning of the year also brought in a number of enquiries from separated and divorced wives in other countries. There is now a group in South Africa planning a similar organisation to Broken Rites and we have appointed a Broken Rites member to develop our international links. Broken Rites was represented at Greenbelt again this year.

As we enter our 36th year the committee is hoping to address a number of issues. We will continue to try to simplify our administrative tasks to allow more time for other activities. This could include sending the Annual Report and associated documents out electronically. We will be engaging with the discussions about clergy well-being and be highlighting the particular problems faced by our members. The adverse effects of tied housing need to be better understood by church leaders - this is not simply about the problems of fi nding accommodation but also the way in which free accommodation reduces the amount of maintenance for any dependent children. We will also be challenging the variations in support available across the dioceses of the Church of England and the other denominations. And fi nally we are exploring ways of funding opportunities for our members to meet together for mutual support and time away from the pressures of everyday life.

We would like to thank everyone for their support during 2017 and look forward to another interesting year.

Margaret Wilkinson and Dilys Stone, Co-Chairs

Broken RItes AGM A5 24pp Booklet_v2.indd 14 07/03/2018 16:27 Treasurer’s Report for the year ending 31st December 2017 Your Treasurer for the whole of 2017 was Jonathan Tillin, an Associate Member.

ACCOUNTS Income Excluding last year’s appeal our income is slightly up but this is primarily due to a committee member being enabled to purchase one of our laptop computers.

Subscriptions changes are: Members from 96 to 89; Associates from 5 to 6.

We are extremely thankful for those who support the efforts of Broken Rites to be ‘Here for You and There for Others’.

Expenditure Our expenditure was up against 2016. Travel and a small subsistence payment against accommodation for those who came to our AGM in Edinburgh explain the increase in AGM Travel. Newsletter and Annual Report printing costs were higher as was postage.

We purchased two laptops and accompanying software for committee members (General Admin); and in January had to pay archive costs for 2016 as well as 2017.

Reserve Account I have transferred some money to our Business Reserve Account though the interest is still negligible.

Mandate The Bank Mandate was changed during the year, though with the closure of my local branch, and changes to the Bank’s process, it became something of a tortuous affair.

Your Committee agreed that from 2017 the signatories to the Accounts would be the Chair; Secretary; Treasurer; and Membership Secretary.

We continue to mandate two signatures on cheques drawn at £100 or more.

HMRC With the agreement of your committee I entered into discussion with HM Revenue and Customs through the good offi ces of an accountant. Broken Rites does manage a relatively small but not insignifi cant balance and we needed to be sure we did not attract tax - or if we did, that we declared it.

The HMRC Inspector’s written ruling is that

As the Association exists only for its members and does not make a trading profi t… and does not hold deposits which would generate a liability for corporation tax… I have made the company record dormant.

I will write a detailed account for future treasurers to ensure we remain compliant.

Broken RItes AGM A5 24pp Booklet_v2.indd 15 07/03/2018 16:27 MEMBERSHIP FIGURES I have discussed the changes to subscriptions above and copied the Membership Secretary the details.

EXAMINATION OF THE ACCOUNTS An examination of the accounts took place in Crewe on the 25th January, your examiners being Dilys Stone and Sue Bamber (appointed by the AGM). They will issue their own report.

Reporting through the year Our accounts are managed with an Excel workbook. It enables me to issue print-outs of our fi nancial position to the Offi cers on a monthly basis and to the committee when it meets.

I have some mobility problems and have not attended committee meetings but have spoken by phone to the committee each time it meets.

RECORDED ASSETS Broken Rites has one laptop and associated software. This is noted on the Balance Sheet but there is little point in depreciating it over time as we do not pay tax.

INTERNET BANKING I was encouraged to explore internet banking but I must report I haven’t done this. It will require a signifi cant change to the Bank Mandate and I should like to leave that for my successor to consider: there is probably scope for improving income using modern payment methods.

STANDING DOWN I intend to retire as Treasurer at the forthcoming AGM. I will have been in post for 2 ½ years; I have enjoyed being your treasurer and regarded it as a privilege.

Jonathan Tillin January 2018

Broken RItes AGM A5 24pp Booklet_v2.indd 16 07/03/2018 16:27 Broken RItes AGM A5 24pp Booklet_v2.indd 12 07/03/2018 16:27 Broken RItes AGM A5 24pp Booklet_v2.indd 11 07/03/2018 16:27 Membership Secretary’s report, February 2018. Membership Secretary’s report, February 2018 The firstfi rst few few months months of takingof taking on the on role the ofrole Membership of Membership Secretary Secretary have been have spent been learning spent to operate learning Windows to operate 10 & Microsoft Office on my new laptop, neither or which I have used before, and generally updating and checking Windows 10 & Microsoft Offi ce on my new laptop, neither of which I have used before, and generally the data in order to become familiar with the system. I present the statistics & lists of Area Reps & Links in the full updating and checking the data in order to become familiar with the system. I present the statistics & lists knowledge that there will be some inaccuracies, though I have checked them all according to the information I have ofat presentArea Reps. Please & Linkslook over in thethem full and knowledge let me know that of anythere updates will be & changessome inaccuracies, I may need to make.though I have checked them all according to the information I have at present. Please look over them and let me know of any updatesThe statistics & changes take as their I may starting need point to make. the membership list with which I began upon taking on the role of Membership Secretary, dated May 2017. In that list, there were 150 full members, 21 associates, and 205 resigned. The statistics take as their starting point the membership list with which I began upon taking on the role ofIn theMembership list updated Secretary, to the time datedof compiling May 2017.this report In that in February list, there 2018, were there 150 are full now members, 151 full members, 21 associates, 22 and 205associate resigned. members, and 213 resigned. InThe the updated list updated full members’ to the listtime reflects of compiling the resignation this report of 7 members in February and 2018,the acquisition there are of 8now new 151 members full members, since 22May associate 2017. Of the members, associates, andone resigned,213 resigned. & 2 new ones were added. The updated full members’ list refl ects the resignation of 7 members and the acquisition of 8 new By year of joining, 11 new members joined in 2017 (10 full and one associate), and so far in 2018, there have been 4 members since May 2017. Of the associates, one resigned, & 2 new ones were added. new members (2 full, 2 associate). By year of joining, 11 new members joined in 2017 (10 full and one associate), and so far in 2018, there haveAll the been resigned 4 new memb membersers, both (2full full, and 2 associate, associate). are put into the one list of ‘resigned’. All the resigned members, both full and associate, are put into the one list of ‘resigned’.

Regional totals & area reps. Links. No. of members. East Midlands: Viv Rowett. 14 Derbyshire Jenny Smith 6 Leicestershire, Northamptonshire & Vacant 3 Rutland Nottinghamshire Vacant 3 Lincolnshire Viv Rowett 2

East of England: Vacant. 12 Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire Teresa Nichols 3 Cambridgeshire Vacant 2 Essex Vacant 2 Norfolk Vacant 3 Suffolk Vacant 2

North East England & Yorkshire: Vacant. 15 County Durham & N Teesside Vacant 3 Northumberland, Tyne & Wear Vacant 2 N & W Yorkshire, S Teesside Vacant 3 S Yorkshire & N Humberside Jennifer South 7

North West England: Sue Bamber & Beth Gardner. 15 Cheshire Beth Gardner 6 Cumbria Vacant 1 Greater Manchester Vacant 3 Lancashire Sue Bamber 3 Merseyside & Isle of Man Gillian Haines 2

South East England: Veronica Bale. 27 Berkshire & Buckinghamshire 6 Oxfordshire Alexandra Green 2

Broken RItes AGM A5 24pp Booklet_v2.indd 19 07/03/2018 16:27 Hampshire, Isle of Wight & Channel Vacant 6 Islands. E & W Sussex Gillian Hinds 9 Surrey 4

Greater London & South: Ann Richards. 18 Greater London – North Vacant 3 Greater London – South Sarah Thorley 8 Kent Christine Murchison 7

South West England: Vacant. 22 Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Vacant 1 Devon Rebecca Ould 3 Dorset & Wiltshire Jean Whatmough 6 Bristol Christine Donald 4 Gloucester Vacant 4 Somerset Vacant 4

West Midlands: Rosemary Aveyard. 5 Herefordshire Vacant 1 Staffordshire & Shropshire Vacant 2 Warwickshire Vacant West Midlands Vacant 1 Worcestershire Rosemary Aveyard 1

Scotland: Shirley Douglas. 12 All of Scotland Vacant 12

Wales: Dilys Stone. 7 All of Wales Ceri Thomas 7

Northern Ireland & Republic of Ireland: Helen Oxley. 3 3 All

Europe: (Whole of Europe, 0 Morocco, Turkey & the former Soviet Union): Helen Oxley. 0

International: Carrie Pemberton- Ford. 1 North America 1

Broken RItes AGM A5 24pp Booklet_v2.indd 20 07/03/2018 16:27

Membership by denomination.

Church of England: 119 (=78.8%) 119

Other Anglicans: 8 (=5.3%) Church of Ireland 2 Church in Wales 5 Scottish Episcopal 1

Non-Anglicans: 24 (=15.9%) Baptist 1 Church of Scotland 9 Congregationalist 1 Ecumenical 1 Good News Church 1 Mennonite 1 Methodist 7 Presbyterian Church in Ireland 1 URC 2

Broken RItes AGM A5 24pp Booklet_v2.indd 21 07/03/2018 16:27 Enquiries Co-ordinator’s report 2017 There were 40 enquiries during 2017. As in the past 4 years the majority of them have come through the contact form on the website. However this year the number that came through other routes has increased. Some have come through our Facebook page and some new members have fi lled in the membership form available on the website and returned it directly to the membership secretary. As in previous years over half of the enquiries came from spouses/partners of the clergy who are either experiencing problems in their marriage or who were already separated or divorced. Two of these came from husbands of members of the clergy. The vast majority of enquirers were married to clergy in the Church of England. Three enquiries came from women living abroad in Kenya, South Africa and the USA respectively. Four enquiries came from members of the clergy experiencing problems in their marriages and two from professionals enquiring on behalf of contacts. One enquiry came from the adult child of separating parents who was experiencing considerable distress. We were pleased to be asked to help someone with a dissertation on clergy who commit adultery and also to be informed about the forthcoming discussion of a Clergy Wellbeing Covenant. Amongst the miscellaneous enquiries we received one from a radio producer looking for an interviewee for a programme.

Margaret Wilkinson Enquiries co-ordinator.

Wales Report 2017 There is little to report this year, except to say that I try to keep in touch with all the Welsh members and to put them in touch as appropriate. We are geographically very spread out which makes meeting up quite diffi cult. It was good to hear from one enquirer who has now moved on that BR provided her with much needed support at a crucial time, and we have recently been providing support to another enquirer who has been going through a time of diffi culty.

Dilys Stone Associates Report 2017 We continue to look for ways to increase Associate membership, both in terms of numbers and also active involvement. There is now an Associates page on the website which we plan to develop in future. The constitution was changed a few years ago to permit Associates to take a much fuller part in Broken Rites activities and we hope to be able to tap into some of the skills that may be on offer from those who support the aims of our organisation. We also need members to encourage others to join as Associates.

Dilys Stone Website Report The website has been kept up-to-date as information has been forthcoming and a page for Associate Members has now been provided. The website continues to remain a useful point-of-contact for Broken Rites but your committee is starting to consider the benefi t of a major refresh. I anticipate progressing this in the coming year.

Jonathan Tillin

Broken RItes AGM A5 24pp Booklet_v2.indd 22 07/03/2018 16:27 Job Descriptions

Secretary The secretary works in collaboration with the Chair and other committee members to produce the papers required for meetings. Most, if not all, the distribution is now done by email. The secretary liaises with Church House regarding meetings and takes minutes at the meeting. Tasks relating to committee meetings Liaise with Chair about content of the agenda Request reports from the committee 4 weeks before meeting, collate and distribute with the agenda Prepare and distribute agenda at least 14 days before the meeting, together with minutes of the previous meeting and action points from previous meeting, plus any other documents required. Prepare register for recording attendance at the meeting and apologies for absence. Email list of those attending the meeting to Church House at least 7 days before meeting. Minute-take during the meeting Write up minutes, liaise with chair to fi nalise and distribute minutes to the committee. As far as possible ensure action points from meeting are completed.

Tasks relating to the AGM in collaboration with the AGM co-ordinator. Request reports etc from offi cers and area reps with deadline date (decided by committee) Prepare agenda together with Chair. Send minutes of previous AGM to Newsletter editor or AGM co-ordinator Ensure that nomination forms for election of offi cers including updated JDs, reports and any other relevant documents are prepared and sent to Newsletter editor or AGM co-ordinator Agree tokens and cards for retiring offi cers and speaker. Take minutes at AGM Write up minutes and liaise with Chair to fi nalise them.

General tasks. Provide back-up and support to Chair. Keep other records up to date as appropriate Any other one-off tasks as appropriate. Treasurer: • Maintains records of receipts and payments • Pays in all receipts to Broken Rites bank account. • Keeps arrangements with bank up to date. • Reconciles bank statements with records. • Pays bills, including members’ expenses. • Acknowledges donations received. • Attends committee meetings and AGM and provides report. • Liaises closely with the Chairman and Membership Secretary and other members of the committee as required • Maintains up to date assets list • Produces annual accounts and report. • Arranges mid-year reconciliation and annual audit by auditors appointed by AGM • Has the help and support of the committee as required

Broken RItes AGM A5 24pp Booklet_v2.indd 23 07/03/2018 16:27 Interdenominational Representative (this role can be shared) • Is concerned with denominational issues that arise for members who are not connected to the Church of England (including Anglican members in other provinces)* • Endeavours to collate information about the denominational structures so that relevant church leaders/ clergy can be informed of the role of Broken Rites and the need of members. • Endeavours to ascertain what policies individual denominations have put in place to help clergy spouses/partners in the case of relationship breakdown. • Should stay alert to the sources of help for the non-c-of-e members and seek to ensure that these contacts are up to date. • Sends a report to the committee at their own discretion depending on news and submits an annual report. • Should attend at least one committee meeting per annum and the AGM

Area Representative • Represents their region on the Broken Rites National Committee, which normally meets three times a year in London. • Should be prepared to attend a minimum of one out of the three general committee meeting per year plus the AGM. • May also be a Link Member for part of their area • Maintains contact with the Links in their area, advising them when necessary, feeding back any relevant information to and from the National Committee receives referrals from Enquiries Co- ordinator and others and responds directly or by referring on to Link or others • Should be alert to potential new members and clergy spouses/ partners in need. • Initiates, as appropriate, informal meetings in their area in conjunction with the Links, for mutual support and socialising • Holds an up to date list of full and associate members in their region, supplied by the Membership Secretary • Informs the Membership Secretary of new Members, changes of address etc. • Sends regional news and reports to the Committee, to the Editor of Rite Lines and to the Website Editor as appropriate, with photos if available. A brief paragraph is also needed for the Annual Report N.B. The task of Area Representative and Link member may be interchangeable, depending on local circumstances.

* Please note: All expenditure incurred by Offi cers and Committee members in the carrying out of these roles is reimbursed in line with our ‘Expenses Guidelines’ (copy available on request from the Treasurer).

Broken RItes AGM A5 24pp Booklet_v2.indd 24 07/03/2018 16:27 Broken Rites Committee Members

Rosemary Aveyard Helen Oxley Veronica Bale Ann Richards Sue Bamber Viv Rowett Heather Boase Barbara Stapleford Ruth East Dilys Stone (associate) Rosina Elston Jonathan Tillin (associate) Janet Forbes Anne Tunley Beth Gardner Margaret Wilkinson Katharine Harrison Carrie Pemberton Ford

Broken RItes AGM A5 24pp Booklet_v2.indd 25 07/03/2018 16:27 Notes

Broken RItes AGM A5 24pp Booklet_v2.indd 26 07/03/2018 16:27 Notes

Broken RItes AGM A5 24pp Booklet_v2.indd 27 07/03/2018 16:27 www.brokenrites.org

Broken RItes AGM A5 24pp Booklet_v2.indd 28 07/03/2018 16:27