I am writing shortly after our zoom-based farewell service for Bishop David. This was an emotional occasion, giving everyone across the diocese the opportunity to express their appreciation for all that Bishop David has been for us and has done for us in over twenty years as Suffragan Bishop. A couple of weeks ago, we held a dinner at St. Mark’s Regents Park for staff who had worked closely with him. Many people had contributed towards a leaving gift for Bishop David. At the dinner, we presented him with an icon of Christ Pantocrator written by Sister Esther of Turvey Abbey on which are written the words: ‘that all may be one’. Bishop David will also receive a substantial cheque.

We have also said farewell to Deacon Frances Hiller. She has given two decades of service to our diocese and specifically to Bishop David as his Chaplain and PA. Frances has developed a wealth of knowledge of the diocese and been an invaluable reference point and familiar figure in our London Office. We will miss Bishop David and Frances very much.

Diocesan life nonetheless continues. And I now want to bring to your attention some measures for resourcing the ‘centre’ of the diocese during the episcopal interregnum.

• Archdeacon David Waller will be Acting Warden of Readers. 

   

• Archdeacon Leslie Nathaniel will be lead archdeacon for safeguarding. 

   

• Archdeacon Peter Hooper will have a brief (with our COO Andrew Caspari) for strategy development. 

   

• Archdeacon Sam Van Leer will chair our Ministry Team, which has oversight of ministry enquirers, ordinands, lay education and ministerial training.

We will be endeavouring to conduct Confirmation services as far as possible on a regional or deanery basis. I am supported by a group of highly experienced honorary assistant bishops. If you would like to schedule a Confirmation service, please speak to your archdeacon about arranging this. My PA, Gail Wilmet, will co-ordinate requests for the ministry of the honorary assistant bishops. Please don’t approach these bishops directly, as we are keen to balance and monitor their workloads – remembering that they give their services voluntarily. During the episcopal vacancy, the travel costs of these episcopal visits will be covered by my own budget.

With the departure of two of our most experienced staff, and the closure of Bishop David’s office, our small team of central staff will be under additional pressure, so please do be patient.  

We share together this season of spiritual discipline. Chaplaincies are running a variety of Bible Study and Lent courses. 

Having just marked the second anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine, we continue to pray fervently for our Ukrainian brothers and sisters in their struggle for freedom and peace. As we work together in various ways to support one another, I wish you a holy and blessed Lent.