An Interview with Bishop Ken Clarke on His Appointment as Mothers' Union Central Chaplain

PH: What is the role of Central Chaplain to the Mothers’ Union and how did it come about?

BC: My role is to work with the Mothers’ Union (MU) senior staff/leadership team as a link to the wider Anglican Communion, reflecting the Church’s thinking to the charity on relevant issues, such as marriage and family life, and to represent the MU to the wider church. I will be present as Chaplain at its major meetings and provide pastoral care through giving support and advice.

This is a three-year honorary appointment which came about by invitation from the Archbishop of Canterbury – it was a total surprise when I was asked to take it on in January but it is of course a privilege. I formally took up the office last Friday (12 February 2010) at the gathering of the Worldwide Council in Swanwick, Derbyshire, during a morning Eucharist Service when I was commissioned by the current Worldwide President of MU, Mrs Rosemary Kempsell (Church of Ireland members will recall that Lady Christine Eames formerly held this role). I understand that I am the first Irish Central Chaplain.

The role may involve occasional trips overseas in connection with the huge range of projects undertaken by MU across the globe; however, it will primarily involve attending meetings in England where I will lead worship and give support in any way I can. However, I suspect, as so often happens, there will be a few surprises along the way. In a new venture I always remember the wise advice I was once given, ”˜Expect everything to be different to what you expect!’

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