Clergy seek protection from health and safety

[Still Waters]

Unions are calling for health and safety laws to protect clerics from fallen gravestones, loose roof tiles and other hazards of the job, reports Religious Affairs Correspondent Jonathan Wynne-Jones.

With her no-nonsense approach, the Vicar of Dibley would have taken such 'dangers' as scalding tea or rickety pulpit steps in her stride.

But facing hazards such as crumbling vicarages and fallen gravestones, clergy are no longer prepared to rely solely on the divine for protection.

They are calling for health and safety rights, which have been criticised for encouraging an overly cautious culture, but which they claim would add to their safety in the workplace.

While the clerical life might not seem to warrant such legislation, Unite, a trade union that represents priests, claims that their lives are being put at risk.

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[Black Hound]

I think they entitled to them. After all they have to deal with "divine wrath" as well as the normal hazards that other mortals have to deal with.

[The Silver Thong]

Oh the poor church we all know how poor they are LOL they don't pay tax's yet want tax payers money. How typical is this.

[Serpentine]

I should imagine new regulations and current lack of funds would lead to the closure of many old and well loved churches for Health and Safety reasons.