Clergy Spouses
There is a growing network of clergy spouses in the Diocese of Chester and all spouses of our clergy are welcome to be a part of it, whether you have just arrived here or you've been in the diocese for many years.
As a diocese, we recognise that those who join us as spouses of the clergy here come with very different experiences: different levels of familiarity with Church and ordained ministry, a diverse range of their own interests and available support. You each come with your own needs and gifts to offer. You and your spouse may be very familiar with the geography of the area or it may be completely new.
We want to be able to provide support to all clergy spouses in a way that works for you and is helpful.
If you are interested in joining the Clergy Spouse network, being part of one of three regional Whatsapp groups, or just fancy a chat, please get in touch by email with the network coordinator, Lindsay Tanner - Lindsay.tanner@chester.anglican.org
Events Programme
All welcome to join us for this family friendly clergy spouse meet up.
Meet at Delamere Forest cafe for a little walk followed by ice-creams or coffees back at the cafe/play area.
A chance to get to know each other (especially if you are solo parenting whilst your partner is on pre-ordination retreat!), all are welcome.
Book on eventbrite to let the team know you are coming: https://familyclergyspouse.eventbrite.co.uk
PREVIOUS EVENTS
Clergy Spouses Retreat 28th February 2026
It was a wonderfully refreshing day at Foxhill. We were led by Jim Bridgman who beautifully facilitated our stopping, reflecting, noticing and listening to God, on the theme title: ’Take a Seat'. Using Scripture, poetry, music, the outdoors, art and some conversation with one another, we had some time to be. This poem, written on the day, captures something of our reflections and prayers:
The Crucible Chair
They come.
They come in chaos.
They come intoxicated.
They come wide eyed and wild.
They come unkempt, dirty, smelling of the street.
They come bowed low, burdened,
Encumbered by the past, shadowed by the future.
They come in anger, in pain, in hostility, in brokenness.
They come with need so profound.
A bottomless pit of agony and sordid rotten flesh.
I sit.
I sit with open eyes and ears.
I sit willing an opening for healing, for decompression, for clarity, a glimmer of light.
I sit to hear, to hold, to contain, to care and love where none has been.
I sit on your chair Lord.
I sit that you will sit.
That your Spirit will intoxicate.
I sit that your wildness and uncontained presence will come.
I sit that your sweet fragrance will fill the room.
I sit that your agony and wounded flesh will bring healing of body, mind and soul.
I sit that you will bring the sound of breaking chains, of freedom’s song.
I sit because you sit.
The three of us sit.
That your kingdom will come and your will be done.
So sit, Lord Jesus sit.
Quiet Day 28th February 2026 Foxhill. SC
Ecumenical gathering during week of Christian Unity - January 2026,
I
Coffee, Chats and Charity Shops! – 11 October 2025
Spouses’ Supper – 12 September 2025
Chester Cathedral Tour – 19 July 2025
On Saturday 19th July 2025, a group of clergy spouses and guests had a wonderful time exploring the parts of Chester Cathedral which most visitors never see. We investigated those walkways you notice halfway up the walls, last regularly used for monastic worship and by stone masons through the eras; we climbed multiple spiral stairways to hidden lofts and towers, ultimately emerging on top of the central tower, with commanding views of the city; we were given a fantastic perspective down the choir and nave to the glorious west window. Our guide, Robert, engaged us in the history of the building and was able to answer all our questions, however left-field. Above all, it was a great opportunity to get to know one another.