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Here comes the rage
Do do do do
Y’all knew this was gonna be a thread.
We’re still seeing wage gaps of 10%+ broadly, which hasn’t really changed since 79. The % of total numbers in the right column again showing that senior clergy positions are disproportionately male, with gaps in wage and totals reduced for associates/curates
(Associates and Curates are 2 different things CPG) at least they should be. Curate =/= underpaid associate.
These are also telling in terms of the total landscape- we’re seeing a reduction in full time clergy that’s outpacing the 1.5ish annual % reduction in membership. We’re also closing fewer parishes than we are losing full time clergy.
But then you take that with wages fixed for inflation and we’re not keeping pace. The vast majority of congregations don’t treat COLA like a thing, which means your effectively cutting clergy compensation year over year. Factor in premium increases and those cuts are substantial
And here it is. This is the table that makes me scream into the void every year.
1. I don’t see why we’re showing median vs avg wage for years of service. Avg wage would be more indicative of the full spread. And would likely further highlight wage gap. Cutting “experience disparities” off at the knees.
2. We could still fit EVERY SINGLE CLERGYPERSON UNDER 35 IN A REASONABLY SIZED ROOM.
This table also continues to show what we’ve seen in the avg age of new ordinations. We’ve still got the majority of clergy with 1-5 years on the clock over the age of 45
Regional data makes sense, but again, the swings are surprising, and I’m not sure a 13k regional variance can be chalked up to cost of living changes. Especially when clergy debt loads remain consistent nationally.
Median compensation by... excuse me?
I’m a Canon to the Ordinary. I don’t outrank a Rector. A Rector doesn’t outrank an Associate, who in a turn doesn’t outrank a Curate. Priests don’t outrank Deacons. We have roles. We do them.
This Cursus Honorum BS can’t die fast enough.
This Cursus Honorum BS can’t die fast enough.
Median Compensation by Church Size: Look at the amount of Insft Data the further you go right on the table.
Avg ASA in TEC is right around 60- Compensation can as much as double across congregation sizes.
Avg ASA in TEC is right around 60- Compensation can as much as double across congregation sizes.
When you take this from All Clergy by Diocese to Senior/Solo by Diocese these gaps get even more pronounced.
So what are we seeing? And I’ll be combining anecdotal Transition Officer work with the Report data from here on in.
Broadly: We’re disincentivizing Deployment in the places we most need Clergy. Even among parishes that can carry a full time package.
There are 2 major ways we can break that cycle- Debt Forgiveness/Prevention, and affordable healthcare.
These wages, even when they’re low, are above avg wages for the country, but they are not anywhere near comparable comp for grad degrees and debt loads that come with them
These wages, even when they’re low, are above avg wages for the country, but they are not anywhere near comparable comp for grad degrees and debt loads that come with them
