Members of the clergy have launched a campaign for a pay increase, saying the current allowance is not a living wage.

The Manufacturing, Science and Finance (MSF) union, which represents 1,500 Church of England clergy in England and Wales, complained that ministers had no security of employment or income under the present system.

Clergy receive a stipend, or allowance, averaging �16,420 a year, plus accommodation, but the union believes they should be paid a salary of at least �20,000.

The campaign, launched as the General Synod meets in London, includes a demand for holiday cover and calls for ministers to be able to buy equity in the church houses they occupy.

"Ministers of the church are committed and professional workers. They should be afforded the status of professional salaried staff and paid accordingly," said MSF national secretary Chris Ball.

"It is a disgrace that in the second millennium members of the clergy have no employment rights or economic security. It's time for a change."

The union says members of the clergy should be paid similar levels as other professionals, including teachers and social workers.