Full steam ahead for Oversight Ministry in the Diocese of Truro?

Extract from paper for discussion at Diocese of Truro Synod, September 2025

We - and other churchgoers across Cornwall - had hoped that the advent of a new Bishop of Truro might halt the onward march to Oversight and Lay Ministry in large groupings of parishes. 

The concept was introduced during the controversial On The Way deanery restructuring programme championed by the former Bishop of Truro, the Rt Rev Philip Mounstephen, and his suffragan Bishop, the Rt Rev Hugh Nelson.  Sadly, in the years since, there have been many examples of Oversight Ministry proving just too much for those charged with it - impossible administrative loads resulting in physical and mental exhaustion.

However ... a paper due to be discussed at next month's Diocesan Synod offers complete endorsement and suggests full steam ahead with Oversight and Local Ministry - despite high profile failures.

Click here to read.   The model enables 'incumbent status stipendiary priests to lead communities of communities', the paper reports. Hopefully discussion at the Diocesan Synod will clarify what on earth this means.

Save The Parish Cornwall is campaigning vigorously against Oversight Minister or Team Ministries in new, large benefices - and encouraging people to submit their views to the Church Commissioners when such schemes are proposed.

The largest such proposed grouping is Kerrier Deanery, which comprises all 23 churches in the Lizard Peninsula (note: there are 23 churches according to the Kerrier Deanery Plan though the Diocese now disputes this figure and say three churches are no longer in use).  There are also 5 CofE primary schools and 9 care homes.  Travel around the area is notoriously difficult, especially in the summer.

Local people believe that the deeply unpopular proposals will result in a diminishing church presence in communities - exactly the opposite of the Church of England's core mission.

Concerned? It is straightforward to make a representation about the planned reorganisation in Kerrier via email to rex.andrew@churchofengland.org or by post to Rex Andrew, Pastoral Division, Church Commissioners, Great Smith St, London, SW1P 3AZ.  

 You do not have to be a resident of Kerrier. And in fact, if you have experience of being in a large benefice with few clergy, where there is limited pastoral care and much reduced regular Sunday Services, especially Holy Communion anywhere in the country – then please do make a Representation explaining why these large groupings do not work. 

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