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Bishop’s Advisory Group for Structures Review Download Report
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To the Deaneries and Parishes in the Archdeaconry of Sudbury To the Deaneries and Parishes in the Archdeaconry of Sudbury 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 was presented to the Diocesan Synod on November 2008. The interim paper goes to Parishes and Deanerys fro further consultation. The deadline for feedback is Easter 2009 before Diosesan Synod will recieve the final report at it's meeting June 2009.

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.
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