IN A survey of mothers in ministry, three-quarters of those questioned said that motherhood had made them a better priest - but that their own children suffered.

Clerical mothers said that they struggled to find the time for their own children or husbands because of the demands of church life. More than half said that they did not have any time for themselves, or for friends, or a hobby.

The poll, by Christian Research, in the run-up to Mothering Sunday, surveyed 176 mothers who are exercising full-time ministry in the UK.

Gerry Stacey, of Christian Research, said: "As we celebrate Mothering Sunday, we need to remember the hidden mums in our churches. They give a huge amount of time to help Britain's churches flourish.

But congregations need to recognise that they are mums, too, and need to spend time with their families."

Christian Research has produced "Ten Commandments" for mothers in ministry (right).

www.christian-research.org/mums