Livery support

Last year, we walked alongside over 2,700 Anglican clergy households, with £6.2m in grants. This includes 1 in 5 of all serving Church of England and Church in Wales clergy.

Our support is not a luxury; many clergy rely on us for the essentials. In 2023, we provided over £1m towards energy costs and general living expenses, like food and clothing.

We’re privileged to walk alongside clergy and their families, but we are only able to do so thanks to the generous support of the Livery movement. Please consider talking to your Master or Clerk, about how your company can support Clergy Support Trust.

If you have any questions, please do get in touch at hello@clergysupport.org.uk.

Our relationship with the City Livery

In 1655, concerned with the welfare of clergy, their children and widows, a Festival was held by merchants, the sons of clergy, Liverymen and Freemen of the City of London to raise funds.

369 years later, a great deal has changed, but Clergy Support Trust's mission to serve those who serve remains the same. As does our deep, historic connection with the livery movement.

We greatly value the centuries-old support of Worshipful Companies and Guilds. As well as being celebrated here, the much-appreciated financial contributions of the City livery are acknowledged in the Festival Order of Service.

Many Livery members also support us by becoming Stewards of the Festival or Governors of the Trust. The Lord Mayor of the City of London shows their support through an ex officio role as an Honorary President.

Email our team at festival@clergysupport.org.uk to find out more about how your company can walk alongside Clergy Support Trust, as we walk alongside thousands of Anglican clergy and their families.

Our supporters in 2023

Festival Service and Dinner

The 369th Clergy Support Trust Festival brings together three world-class cathedral choirs, inspiring speakers and respected guests from the City of London and Livery movement.

Join us under the magnificent dome of St Paul's Cathedral on Tuesday 7 May 2024, 5pm, and afterwards for our historic dinner at Plaisterers' Hall, 6.30pm.

The Masters of Worshipful Companies and Guilds across the City of London join our ceremonial Stewards and senior clergy in a procession down the aisle at the start of the Service, a tradition of three centuries standing.

The Festival Service and Dinner are opportunities for networking, fellowship and to give thanks for the work of Anglican clergy and their families, and the Trust in supporting them.

Book your tickets

A number of circular tables, lit by candles, with guests sat around them in formal dress.

A processing Steward, looking towards the camera and smiling. He is wearing a formal black suit. A Clergy Support Trust banner is behind him.

Governors and Stewards

Stewards play a key ceremonial role in our annual Festival Service at St Paul's Cathedral, processing and accessing priority seating under the magnificent dome. They have been part of our history for centuries, and support our work with a donation of £75 per year.

Become a Steward

Governors are our ultimate governing body, electing our Trustees, standing for election themselves, attending our AGM and directing our mission. They hold us to account and advocate for clergy wellbeing. They make a one-off donation of £100, and remain Governors for life.

Become a Governor