Rev Sue Parfitt, 82, has been informed by the Bishop of Bristol that her permission to officiate (PTO) will not be renewed, while she is awaiting trial for taking part in climate protests.

With the court cases linked to her two recent acts of civil disobedience possibly taking years to be resolved and Sue feeling unable to stop her protests in the face of growing climate suffering, she faces the prospect of having a life ban from officiating at church services.

This decision by the Bishop of Bristol doesn’t only impact Sue, but everyone who holds a role within the Church who cares about the climate crisis. Due to the severity of climate breakdown, more protests are going to be needed to urge politicians and businesses to cut their emissions. We’re going to need all types of protest and not everyone is willing to take part in non-violent direct action. The few that do, like Sue, should not be silenced by the Church.

This move by the Bishop of Bristol could result in a chilling effect on people’s ability to protest and effectively hold the powerful to account. Sue said: “Those of us who take part in acts of civil disobedience, do so in order to tell the truth about the uniquely catastrophic emergency which humanity faces and to highlight the determination of the powerful forces of opposition to close down this truth-telling. Courts, professional associations, government, the press and, sadly it seems, the Church, are what we are now up against.”

The Church Times has covered the story.

How can I help Sue?

If you think that CofE clergy should not be refused permission to officiate while awaiting court cases for climate protest, please:

Write to the Bishop of Bristol to express your concern. The Bishop of Bristol can be contacted by email on bishop.bristol@bristoldiocese.org

Sign a petition asking the Bishop to reconsider her decision

Also email your local bishop. You can find their email address by clicking on this page, and selecting your diocese at the bottom of the page.