What is Listening Ears?
Listening Ears is an opportunity for stipendiary clergy within the Scottish Episcopal Church to access informal peer support by phone on an ad hoc basis.
Why is this being offered?
This is not a substitute for seeking support within your Diocese from your Bishop or Dean when needed. Listening Ears acknowledges the fact that being able to pick up the phone and be listened to by someone not from your Diocese who understands the challenges of ministry in the Scottish Episcopal Church might offer a different kind of support. Being genuinely listened to can assist in some situations.
Is this confidential?
This is a confidential service and conversations will not be recorded. The SEC safeguarding policy would apply to any safeguarding issues raised.
What sort of thing could I call about?
Anything at all where peer support is appropriate. It could be ministry related or personal.
Is this counselling?
No, you will be signposted to other services or people if there are more complex issues being raised. The Listening Ears service is anticipated to involve perhaps a follow up call after the first call, but not ongoing or regular support.
How do I access Listening Ears?
Contact the person of your preference based on their biography information provided and say you are calling under the Listening Ears service. You may need to arrange a suitable time for a longer call, but the hope is that this can be responsive.
MEET THE ‘LISTENING EARS’ TEAM
Rev Tony Bryer
Telephone 07814 832004
Email: tony.bryer51@gmail.com
“I have been a parish priest in four different dioceses of the Church of England, and was the city centre chaplain in Edinburgh from 1996-2004, and again from 2011-2016. I was also Pastoral Care Adviser for the Clergy during my time in the Diocese of Bristol, a confidential role not unlike that of being a workplace chaplain. In retirement in Edinburgh, I have a ministry as spiritual director to a number of ordained and lay people.”
Deborah Munday
Telephone 01582 522206
Email: deborah.l.munday@gmail.com
“I am a lay reader in the Diocese of Moray, Ross and Caithness and I have several years of experience in a ‘listening ears’ capacity with clergy and with friends, in a non-judgmental way and in total confidence. In addition, I completed a Listening Skills course as part of my Theology for Ministry degree. I’m also a retired police officer, a role in which I was fortunate to spend the majority of my time listening to people. I would like to be able to offer the skills I have been provided with to help support the clergy in our province.”
Rev Liz Crumlish
Telephone 07940 535719
Email: lizcrumlish13@gmail.com
“I have served in Hospital Chaplaincy and in congregational ministry and I was involved in renewal and pioneering, accompanying leaders and congregations in discerning opportunities for mission. I have been involved in selection and formation of clergy and I am an associate tutor with the Scottish Episcopal Institute. I am currently Priest in Charge at St Oswald’s, Maybole, in the Diocese of Glasgow and Galloway, and I am also a Pastoral Supervisor.”
Very Rev Jim Mein
Telephone 01506 848183
Email: jim@meins.plus.com
“I was ordained over 60 years ago, and my ministry has been almost entirely in the Diocese of Edinburgh apart from five years in Malawi. In the final years of my full-time ministry I was Dean of the diocese, becoming Dean Emeritus following my retirement. I now live in Linlithgow and I remain a good listener – please ask around if you need to know more about me, or simply ring me to get in touch.”
(Last updated January 2025)
