Problems with megaparishes: new evidence from Save The Parish

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As the Bishops of Truro and St Germans prepare for St Austell, the latest stop in their On The Way 'consultation' road show, Save The Parish has published a new paper on the potentially catastrophic effects of proposed 'mega parishes' and pastoral reorganisation. ‘Problems with Megaparishes” was written by two ordained academics, and exposes some fresh angles.

Click here to read. Huge benefices are being proposed under the Bishops' On The Way plans in Cornwall: in Kerrier, for example, 23 parishes are being brought together under one rural dean.

The Rt Rev Philip Mounstephen and the Rt Rev Hugh Nelson will be meeting churchgoers in St Austell from 4-6pm this afternoon - just as most of the nation will be warming up TVs to watch England's rugby match against Ireland in the Six Nations Championship at Murrayfield.

The Bishops' tour of Cornish deaneries in this supposed consultation exercise has curiously been timed on Saturday afternoons during the Six Nations, ensuring that the majority attending are devoted followers who have already signed up to their plans. Sports fans - needless to say - and those with young families or other weekend commitments are unable to attend.

The meetings are carefully choreographed, ensuring critical questions are kept to a minimum (less than a quarter of available time).

Click here for accounts of previous stops in East Wivelshire and Carnmarth North.

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