London For the first time ever in its 500-year history, the clergy at Church of England demanded pay hike. The demand was placed by trade union Unite representing more than 2000 clergy and laity in the Church of England. Together they demand a 9.5% increase in stipend of priests from April 2014.
According to Church Commissioner’s 2012 annual report, the Church of England has billions in the bank. A modest hike should be allowed for the clergy, said Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham.
Meanwhile, the Church of England’s Remuneration Committee will meet next week to put its recommendation on stipend. The Archbishop’s Council in September will take it from there and deliver a decision in September.
