Valentine's Day Special:
Clergy Couples in Holston

There are 32 clergy couples - clergy married to clergy - in Holston Conference. In October, ten of those couples met with Bishop James Swanson at the Knoxville Conference Center. The purpose, says the Rev. Judith Anna, was to "have a conversation" about appointing clergy couples as well as some of their unique gifts. "The Bishop said it helps for the Cabinet to know of couples who like to serve together, and couples who want separate churches," said Anna, married to the Rev. Fredderick Long. Clergy spouses also celebrated that they often compliment each other in ministry. "Clergy couples always have access to the male-female perspective," says Anna. "Even if you have separate churches, you can talk it out. We strengthen each other in our calling."

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