diocesan structures
We should be strengthening parishes, not managing their decline, and ensuring that national and diocesan structures enable rather than inhibit local mission.
Serving in North Edgbaston has deepened my conviction that the Church of England is at its best when national and diocesan structures support the mission of local churches, rather than the other way around.
across theological differences, and of contributing within diocesan structures.
I will argue for decisions that strengthen local ministry rather than burden it, and for national and diocesan structures that serve parishes rather than expecting parishes simply to fund structures.
Leading within a Bishop’s Mission Order has also given me experience of navigating local and diocesan structures and asking whether our processes genuinely serve the people, churches and mission they are intended to support.
National and diocesan structures should enable local ministry rather than unnecessarily burden it.
Under our new Archbishop Sarah I hope and pray that we can become a simpler and humbler church, restoring confidence in our safeguarding processes, simplifying national and diocesan structures and lifting the burdens they impose on parishes.
That’s a cumulative total of 50 years’ experience in our diocesan structures!
Priests are declared unaffordable while substantial resources continue to be spent on national and diocesan structures, strategies and initiatives.
I am interested in how local churches, deaneries, and diocesan structures can work together well, so that national and diocesan strategy genuinely supports the life and mission of the local church.
I have the experience of serving many authorities and are fully aware of Diocesan structures, and Deanery responsibilities.
National and diocesan structures must strengthen local mission, not make it harder.
National and diocesan structures exist to serve congregations and parishes, not the other way around. – I have a traditional view of marriage and believe we can only judge any such social questions on the basis of God’s revealed will.
From my roles with the Education Team and at Viney Hill, I have developed a keen interest in good governance practice, and knowledge of central diocesan structures.
I have an eye for detail and I’m not afraid to ask difficult questions ● I enjoy team work and would expect to work closely alongside the others elected as well as the Diocesan structures.
A robust analysis of how diocesan structures could see funds redirected to parochial ministry could be part of this.
I believe this would reduce pressure and workload on diocesan structures, deliver clarity around training parameters and facilitate smoother transitions into lay roles for those moving dioceses.
National and diocesan structures are at their best when they listen to, trust and equip local churches.
Over the years I have had to engage with diocesan structures to support mission in neighbouring villages and parishes.
Having served on the London Diocesan Synod, Diocesan Bishop’s Council, and Diocesan Finance Committee (2018–2020), I understand how diocesan structures operate—and how General Synod must be directed to better resource and serve grassroots ministry.