Orientation for clergy joining the diocese from outside the C of E


The norms, canons, measures and customs of the Church of England can be mystifying to Anglicans from other Provinces. The mystery is further complicated in this particular C of E Diocese which covers 42 countries outside England, necessitating some unique practices and procedures.

As a Diocese we welcome and indeed we are blessed with many clergy who come from Provinces other than the Church of England. Experience has shown that it is worthwhile gathering newly appointed clergy from other parts of the Communion to share some orientation material and to provide a forum for questions and answers pertaining to the norms of the C of E and the Diocese in Europe.

On 20 and 21 June, six such priests joined the Diocesan Secretary Mr Adrian Mumford, the Archdeacon of Gibraltar, Geoff Johnston and myself for a 24 hour orientation session held at St Columba's House in Woking. The clergy are serving parishes in Versailles, Gothenburg, Fontainebleau, Freiburg, Marseilles and Berne.

What do cover in this 24 hours? Everything from "who's who?" in the diocese to record keeping, liturgical matters, and the ever-exciting "Church Representation Rules".
 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Farewell to the Diocese in Europe

Image
Deacon Frances and I packed up our office yesterday and turned over our official files, emails and equipment. Thus a close working together for 22 years comes to an end. So it is hard to believe that today, St David's day, a new chapter begins, after 44 years of stipendiary ministry, 22 years as deacon then priest and 22 as a bishop.  Here are just a few memories from the last couple of months...   But now it is time to begin a new chapter.  O God, by whose command the order of time runs its course: forgive our impatience, perfect our faith and, while we await the fulfilment of your promise, grant us to have a good hope because of your Word,  even Jesus Christ our Lord. (St Gregory Nazianzus, 330 - 390)
Read more

Canon Frances Hiller

Image
Most people in this diocese know Frances Hiller. Deacon Frances has served as my chaplain since 11 November 2002! She is a member of the Diocesan Ministry Team, the Bishop’s Senior Staff, advises at many levels across the diocese, manages my office, my diary, and much of my correspondence, prepares my liturgical celebrations and generally helps to keep me sane. Last Wednesday she was collated as a canon of our Cathedral Chapter, with the stall of Our Lady of Europe. Congratulations to Canon Deacon Frances Hiller! 
Read more

4 New Bishops for the Polish Catholic Church (Union of Utrecht)

Image
  History was made today for the Union of Utrecht, the Old Catholic Communion of Churches, with which the Churches of the Anglican Communion are in full communion. The Polish member of the Union of Utrecht is called the Polish Catholic Church. It consists of three dioceses at present, but with the death of the late Bishop W iktor   Wysoczański earlier this year, there were no bishops remaining. A synod this summer elected 4 to fill the three dioceses and provide an auxiliary for Warsaw as well. So today, the 4 new bishops were consecrated, the first time for such a multiple consecration in an Old Catholic Church. It also marks the beginning an entirely new chapter in the life of the Polish Catholic Church. Bishop Dick Schoon The service, slightly over 3 hours in length, was presided by Bishop Dick Schoon, the Bishop of Haarlem, assisted by Bishop Pavel Stránský of the Czech Old Catholic Church, and Bishop John Okoro, Bishop Emeritus of the Old Catholic Church of Austria. Archbishop Be
Read more