Norfolk clergy face workload crisis amid Church of England funding disputes

Clergy in rural Norfolk are facing increasing workloads as the Church of England struggles with a shortage of priests. Father Clive Wylie, for example, is currently responsible for 14 different churches across the Creakes Benefice and the Coxford Group of Churches.

The campaign group Save The Parish recently held a meeting in Norwich to address concerns that the Church Commissioners, who manage £11.6bn in assets, are not directing enough income toward grassroots parishes. Critics argue that funds are instead being prioritized for bishops, cathedrals, and initiatives such as a £100m policy for slavery reparations.

As recruitment stalls, the average parson now oversees six places of worship, and vacancies can remain unfilled for years. This pressure has led to increased rates of early retirement and stress-related sick leave among existing clergy.