Why Rural Chaplaincy
Rural stress, isolation and high rates of suicide are familiar issues associated with farming. The industry pressures continue with large, one-off disasters (avian flu, flooding and climate change being just a few) along with the volatility of global markets. The pastoral care provided by the chaplains is an essential ‘listening ear, walking with the agricultural community through difficult times’.
The role of Agricultural Chaplain has been undertaken for the last 20 years by Rev. Canon Alan Robson. During this time his chaplaincy has become an integral part of the fabric of the Lincolnshire rural community. The role has broadened beyond pastoral and spiritual care of the agricultural rural community to promotion and participation in projects to benefit their resilience and wellbeing; provoking ethical debate about countryside and agricultural issues and connecting many organisations around the County.
A chaplain strives to act as a Comforter, Catalyst, Champion and Connector.
Comforter … a person who consoles – brings relief in affliction
Catalyst … a person who precipitates change
Champion … a person who fights and argues for a cause
Connector … a person who creates the link between organisations and people
If you wish to speak to a chaplain you can contact them by email Chaplains@lrac.co.uk or call the LRSN helpline on 0800 1381710
Thank you for your ongoing support with this appeal
“Only one word I am going to use to celebrate chaplaincy over this past twenty years is gratitude.
Gratitude to Lincolnshire folk for embracing and being open to new ideas. Gratitude to so many committed people who have inspired projects and new charities to flourish. I am so grateful to the Lincolnshire farming and faith communities who in challenging times have risen with compassionate hearts to make a difference.
Gratitude only truly becomes a powerful social force when it involves presence, participation and partnership and over the twenty years there have been bountiful demonstrations of all these.
Rev Canon Alan J Robson
MSc FRAgS FRSA
Together we can secure Rural
Chaplaincy for the future
“Chaplaincy is proven to contribute to the wellbeing of food and farming folk in our wonderfully productive county. I have witnessed this ministry in action, helping countless individuals in difficulty: farm workers and farmers alike, from businesses of every type and size and across the sectors. It is a role capable of challenging policies regarding food security and food systems, ecology and climate change, agricultural ethics and sustainability.”
Toby Dennis
Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire
The Chaplains
To find out more about the rural chaplains click here.
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