Diocese requests correction in local press article: no third full-time priest appointed in Kerrier Deanery


Diocesan Communications Officer Kelly Rowe has requested both a printed and online correction to the article that appeared in yesterday's Falmouth Packet, which misleadingly said a third full-time stipendiary priest had been recruited in Kerrier Deanery. The article took local PCCs (Parochial Church Councils) by surprise. 

Contacted by Save The Parish Cornwall about the apparent change in clergy provision, Kelly Rowe said in an email that a priest had not, in fact, been appointed:

"I think this story might have got ahead of itself. As far as we are aware, we have agreed the appointment of a third stipendiary priest but have not yet advertised the post. I am guessing that the person would not be in post until the end of the year, more likely early next year.

The deanery is currently in the throes of radical  and controversial pastoral reorganisation - with a giant benefice of 23 churches proposed under just one rural dean.  Kelly Rowe went on to confirm that the situation would be clarified in the paper next week: 

"I have already spoken to the Packet, and they are going to amend the online version and clarify in next week’s paper."

The Pastoral Reorganisation Scheme is published here - Proposals affecting the benefices of the Kerrier deanery - Constantine; Helston and Wendron; Meneage; Mullion and Cury with Gunwalloe; St Keverne, St Ruan with St Grade and Landewednack; and The United Benefice of West Kerrier - in the diocese of Truro | The Church of England  Representations can be made using the link on the website "I would like to make a Representation”, or by email to rex.andrew@churchofengland.org, or by post.  The closing date is Monday 15th September. 

It is important to make your views known. There is a growing body of evidence that giant benefices - like the one proposed in Kerrier -  lead to a doom loop of reducing church attendance, decline in pastoral care and deteriorating finances.  They fail to deliver the Church of England strapline of ‘A Christian Presence in Every Community’.  Many dioceses, including Truro, are ignoring this evidence and pressing on with large parish groupings.  

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