Recognizing our clergy

Beer is just one option, but the ways to show appreciation are many

Contributed by Archbishop and Primate Linda Nicholls,
Anglican Church of Canada

Anglicans love the liturgical calendar. However, I am not sure who started ‘Buy a priest a beer day’ on September 9th! It may have been a beer company or a thirsty pastor. I have noticed a few clergy posting reminders on Facebook or Twitter that it is coming so it clearly has a following.

It may be an amusing concept, but behind it is the importance of expressing appreciation. Clergy are at the frontlines of pastoral responses to the tragedies all around us — the COVID-19 pandemic; forest fires; floods; natural disasters; and, to daily life of personal tragedies, illness and deaths. That is in addition to the current challenges of ministry in a pandemic, with changing protocols and uncertainties every day for worship and ministry. Stress is a regular part of the vocation, which is understood. However, it does wear on body, mind and spirit.

We often respond to personal and public stress with complaints, anger, frustration or even blame, poured out to someone else. Clergy will tell you that their ‘complaints box’ is much, much fuller than their ‘affirmations box’!

So this year… you might not actually buy your priest a beer (though some would appreciate it!), but you could send a note of appreciation. Recognize their commitment—to your parish, to your family, to God—and give thanks! Our Church is blessed with dedicated clergy committed to the Gospel and to the people with whom they share ministry — thanks be to God!