Inspired by her nursing background and unwavering commitment to health, care, and community, incoming-Archbishop Sarah Mullally’s New Year message speaks powerfully to the heart of St Luke’s mission: promoting clergy wellbeing.
The Royal College of Nursing’s motto, tradimus lampada “we carry the torch” captures the profession’s calling to pass on knowledge, compassion, and good practice. At St Luke’s, we share that calling. Our advocacy for clergy wellbeing means listening to what is needed, identifying what support works, and illuminating where the gaps remain. It means contributing evidence to the Church’s collective understanding and being a trusted voice for those in ministry. In the coming weeks, we will publish two reports: the first on counselling provision across the Church of England, and the second an evaluation of our pastoral supervision for British Army chaplains.
Tradimus lampada “we carry the torch” https://www.rcn.org.uk/about-us/our-history
As Archbishop Sarah reminded us, chaplains often stand alongside people in life’s darkest moments. Indeed, most of our clergy serve at society’s forefront, frequently amid high levels of stress, anxiety, and trauma, working to bring light and hope. Caring for those who care for others is not optional; it is essential for the health of the whole Church.
Throughout the bible, the Holy Spirit is portrayed as refining fire, life‑giving, an illuminating, inspiring, and transformational torch. In Acts, Luke records Paul urging believers to be strengthened by God, ready to serve, and faithful stewards of the light entrusted to them. In 2026, let us all be torchbearers: sharing understanding, supporting one another, and proactively carrying the light.
Together, we can ensure that those who lead and serve are sustained, practically, emotionally, and spiritually, so that the light continues to shine brightly in every corner of our Church.