Broken Rites Home

We are an inter-denominational group offering mutual support and information to separated and divorced wives of clergy, ministers and Church Army Officers .

Our adopted symbol is a butterfly - new life does emerge from a chrysalis giving us hope for the future.

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."

What do we do?

	We give support and understanding on a one-to-one basis when needed.
	We hold local group meetings
	We provide information and access to sources of help such as Bishops Visitors, counselling, legal, financial and spiritual support.
	We act as a pressure group within the various churches
	We raise awareness of the difficulties and issues involved such as pension and housing.

Why are we here?

We are here because those who have lived through a clergy marriage breakdown are able to understand fully :-

	the feelings of rejection
	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.
	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
	the effect it has on our children
	the lack of legal rights of a wife

What is new?

The Broken Rites Forum

The place to make new friends and contacts, talk about issues relating to marriage breakdown, rebuilding ones life after divorce and faith, or to share ideas about any other relevant topics. It’s an online community – we hope you’ll come and join in!

Go on - join us by visiting www.brokenrites.org/forum and clicking on the link to register – it’s free, and quick to get started. Tell your friends. All material will be regularly monitored.

	Photos of South meeting on the Isle of Wight
	Archbishop's address at the AGM
	Spiritual help from Beauty from Ashes
	Photos of the AGM with the Archbishop of Canterbury + Irish visitors
	Our display at General Synod
	Photos of East Midlands meetings

Last updated June 2008