Dr. Baty - our chaplain - helped pioneer properly taught and supervised clinical excellence in the pastoral
work of the Church in all its denominations. His interest started in the early 1950s through contact with Reichian Therapist
Paul Ritter and Christian psychiatrist Dr. Frank Lake. His experience includes teaching at every level from basic supportive
counselling skills for the "parishioner-in-the-pew" to professional university validated post-graduate diplomate studies.
He was for many years the convenor and secretary of the working parties on training and primal integration
of the Clinical Theology Association (now the Bridge Pastoral Foundation), and a member of its governing Council and Executive
Committee.
In 1982 Bishop Peter Walker, the Bishop of Ely, recognised Dr. Baty's work by inviting him to become Rector
of Longstanton near Cambridge. This was one of a chain of parishes around Cambridge which allowed time for what the Bishop
described as "a ministry of depth with your own people as well as time to pursue your own interests."
When Dr. Baty's previous benefice was being reorganised Dr. Walker had felt that the work likely to be still
on offer did not give enough scope for Dr. Baty's unique gifts and particular contribution to the life of the Church. "I'm
not having you wasting your time looking after four parishes," were his exact and rather startling words! The offer at
Longstanton was eventually made and accepted and Dr. Baty set aside the high preferment which had been in view for him at
10 Downing Street in favour of a ministry giving him two days a week for Clinical Theology and "other interests" in and
around the University city of Cambridge.
On retirement this side of his ministry was kept up until ill-health forced his retirement from that also.
He continues this ministry through prayer, writing, and the support of the members of the Guild.
