During the first few
months of his episcopate among us, Bishop Nigel has been visiting
the deaneries. Throughout his visits, and also in consultation
with the Bishop’s Council he has become aware that there
are opportunities to review some of the structures of the diocese.
He has, therefore invited a working party to will look at how
the diocese can be structured for more effective mission and ministry.
The
task of the Group will be to:
1. Review the effectiveness, number, shape and structures of our
Archdeaconries and Deaneries
2. Make recommendations about the future number of Archdeaconries,
and Deaneries and to clarify the role of our Archdeacons, Rural
Deans and Lay Chairs;
3. Make any recommendations it thinks fit regarding the organisation
of Diocesan and / or Archdeaconry or Deanery based support structures
There are significant
issues involved in reflecting about how we structure the diocese
for mission and ministry in the early party of the 21st century.
As a diocese we currently have 3 archdeaconries but only 2 archdeacons
and some of our deaneries have very few clergy. There are questions
being asked about the role of Archdeacons within the modern church.
Some people have asked ‘what is a deanery synod for?’
Or ‘what do Rural Deans and Lay Chairs do and are there
ways in which their roles could be enhanced?’ you may have
other questions and insights to offer.
The
Advisory Group consists of:
Mrs Anne Alcock, Mr Michael Wilde, Mr George Woodward, the Rev’d
Canon Jonathan Alderton-Ford, the Rev’d Canon John Beauchamp,
the Rev’d Michael Tillett. The Secretaries to the group
will be The Diocesan Secretary, Mr Nicholas Edgell and the Rev’d
Canon Graham Hedger.
The
timetable
An interim report will be presented to Bishop’s Council
in September, with a report going to the Diocesan Synod in November
2008.
Consultation
The timetable for consultation is very tight. The Dean has written
to all PCC Secretaries and clergy and will also be consulting
with Rural Deans, Lay Chairs, Deanery Organisers, and visiting
the Archdeaconry Pastoral Committees. However, the Group would
like to hear from anyone in the diocese who has views on any of
the subjects under consideration.
Ongoing
information
From time to time progress reports may be posted on the Diocesan
website to keep everyone informed on how the Group is progressing.
