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We are an inter-denominational group offering mutual support and
information to separated and divorced wives of clergy, ministers and
Church Army Officers . We welcome enquiries from male spouses of female
clergy where their marriage has broken down.
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Our adopted symbol is a butterfly - new life does emerge from a chrysalis
giving us hope for the future.
This owl's eye butterfly in Costa Rica is seen
emerging from its chrysalis.
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How did
it all
begin?
Broken Rites was formed in 1983 largely on the initiative of
Frank Field MP. He is an active churchman and MP and has a particular interest
in social welfare matters - especially the specific social and emotional
problems facing separated and divorced clergy wives. He invited anyone in this
position to write to him and then called a meeting in London. Twenty-six
people came and the group was formed. Two members have written
"The Story of Broken Rites."
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What do we do?
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We give support and understanding
on a one-to-one basis when needed. |
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We hold local group meetings |
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We provide information and access
to sources of help such as Bishops Visitors, counselling, legal,
financial and spiritual support. |
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We act as a pressure group within
the various churches |
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We raise awareness of the
difficulties and issues involved such as pension and housing. |
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Why are we here?
We are here because those who have lived through a clergy marriage
breakdown are able to understand fully :-
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the feelings of rejection |
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what it means to lose a husband
and a marriage, home, church, way of life, sense of purpose, place in
the community and sometimes faith, job or even children. |
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the embarrassment and disbelief
that may be generated in others when a clergy marriage breaks down and
which may make it all so much harder to handle |
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the effect it has on our children |
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the lack of legal rights of a wife |
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The
Broken Rites Forum
We
are very sorry but, for the time being, we have suspended the forum
because we were getting an unacceptable amount of spam posted on it.
What is new?
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Last updated January 2010
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