Unless looking to create acleric multiclass build inBaldur's Gate 3most cleric character will be providing back up for the rest of the party. This means buffing damage dealers and keeping tanks on their feet through the difficult battles. A good cleric should be useful from the start through...
Imo in bg2 sword and shield is a completely wasted pip, if it would give better protection against mlee attacks it would be different. Plenty of items to boost ac against ranged there, a shield that is available early and that reflects the arrow to the attacker is the best of them. ...