Kerrier deanery votes for mega benefice

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 Kerrier deanery synod has voted for a mega benefice, uniting 23 churches under a single rural dean.  The synod on Thursday 3 August 2023, voted by 23 votes to four for the proposals which have attracted critical attention and widespread concern on both sides of the Tamar.

Many question how one rural dean could properly oversee such a wide area - and point out that such benefices have failed elsewhere. The draft proposals for the re-organisation were described last week by a member of the Synod (who voted against them) as having 'potentially dire consequences for small rural parishes'.

Click here to read the proposals which need the approval of the patrons of the various parishes (though the Bishop of Truro has the casting vote. The summary reads:

These draft proposals provide for the union of the six benefices of Constantine, Helston and Wendron, Menegae, Mullion and Cury with Gunwalloe, St Keverne, St Ruan with St Grade and Landewednack, and West Kerrier.
It provides for the 'cure of souls in the new benefice to be shared by a team rector and one team vicar'.

The synod's approval of the mega benefice, and the setting up of a Community Interest Company (CIC) to employ new lay and clergy workers, is the latest step in the deanery's angst-ridden On The Way plans - championed by the Bishop of Truro, the Rt Rev Philip Mounstephen.

The Kerrier On The Way plan, approved by Kerrier Deanery Synod by just one vote in 2021, has ever since caused widespread division and anxiety. Before last week's Deanery synod, several members say the need for a CIC was not mentioned when the plan was drawn up and some considered they were being pressured by the Diocese into forming a CIC so that the plan could go forward.  

Archdeacon Paul Bryer has however, since the 2021 vote, insisted that the deanery synod should 'own' the plan - despite people's subsequent questions and misgivings.

 

 



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