'More money, vicar?' Why clergy are asking for a pay rise

Church of England clergy have asked for a pay rise for the first time in history. They're asking for a 9.5 per cent increase in their stipend. Lucie Walsh explains why its so needed

What right do clergy have to ask for more money?

Relative to many families, clergy households are not so badly off. We generally have everything we absolutely need.

As a child I had very little by way of food and clothing. Now that I’m a vicar’s wife, I’ve never been so well off! Of course, we’ve noticed the difference in the cost of living and those leftovers from church flowing into the vicarage cupboards have become even more welcome. But we aren't facing the same hardships as some.