Diocesan Support Interregnums 2024-05-23
2024-05-23
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The Church of England has been assessing the adequacy of support provided to parishes experiencing an interregnum, a period without a parish priest.
What recent assessment the Church of England has made of the adequacy of the support offered by dioceses to a parish in an interregnum?
During an interregnum, a diocese will usually arrange for clergy in neighbouring parishes and across the local deanery to take services and be available to support the church wardens and the parochial church council. It is important that those local volunteers are well supported during an interregnum when they lack the visible and present leadership of a parish priest.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The answer does not provide any recent assessment or specific findings from the Church regarding support adequacy during interregnums.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The combined parishes of St Paul's and Christ Church serve a large part of Paignton and are currently experiencing an interregnum.
My hon. Friend will know that the combined parishes of St Paul's and Christ Church serve a large part of Paignton but are currently in interregnum. As he outlined, during interregnums, lay ministers and church wardens have to step forward. What extra support does the Church make available to them when they do so?
It is typical of my hon. Friend to take this level of interest in his clergy and churches, as I know he does regularly. The diocese of Exeter has produced a guide to help church wardens and the parochial church council during an interregnum. A duty of pastoral care is clearly owed to all those who keep the church going in the absence of a minister.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The answer does not provide specific details on additional support beyond mentioning a guide produced by the diocese and a general duty of pastoral care.
Response accuracy