THE DIOCESE OF TRURO
The Diocese of Truro is at an exciting juncture in the long history of Christian faith in Cornwall. With Canon Philip Mounstephen taking up the role of Bishop of Truro at the start of 2019, we are looking to appoint a new Archdeacon of Cornwall to the Episcopal College in the Diocese of Truro. He or she will play a significant role in the leadership of the Diocese as we enter this new chapter of God’s story in the peninsular.
Our overarching vision of “Discovering God’s Kingdom, Growing the Church” shapes the work of ministers, parishes and schools. Our priorities as a Diocese are focused on the following key areas:
1. Praying
Our vision is that the whole Church be inspired and empowered by God: we want to be a community that knows God and draws near to him in prayer and worship, rising from our knees inspired to be prophets and priests in God’s world
2. Growing
Our aim is to seek growing churches. This means growth in all dimensions: in depth of faith in God, in numbers of worshippers of God, and the scope of our engagement with God’s world. We will continue to invest heavily in time and resources in the areas of new ministries, among families, students and young people and in support of environmental awareness and creation care. Transforming Mission (TM) is a significant plan to stimulate church growth in the Diocese over the coming years and has already secured the first phase of Strategic Development Funding from the national church.
3. Leading
To support and encourage the discovery of God’s Kingdom and the growth of His Church, we will continue to innovate in the area of church leadership. Our aim is both to ensure that it is focused upon mission and discipleship, and to provide proper support for priests and other ministers.
4. Supporting
The Truro Diocesan Board of Finance provides a wide range of support for churches including, particularly, the deployment of ordained ministers and the services of Church House. We will continue to focus the work of the Church House team to support discipleship and church growth ‘on the ground’ in each community.
An overview of the Diocese and of Cornwall is to be found in the Statement of Needs recently prepared as part of the process for the appointment of the new Bishop of Truro. It is available here: https://www.trurodiocese.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Diocese-of-Truro-Statement-of-Needs- Feb2018-copy.pdf
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Role Description
ROLE TITLE: Archdeacon of Cornwall
ACCOUNTABLE TO: Diocesan Bishop
SCOPE: The Archdeaconry of Cornwall comprises the six western deaneries of the Diocese of Truro. In addition, on behalf of the whole Episcopal College, the Archdeacon of Cornwall will take the lead on a holistic approach to Mission including environmental and social responsibility.
COMMITTEE Episcopal College (known also as Bishop’s Staff) PARTICIPATION: Diocesan Synod Bishop's Diocesan Council Diocesan and Archdeaconry Mission & Pastoral Committees Diocesan Advisory Committee Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel Diocesan Safeguarding Audit Sub Committee Property Management Committee Glebe Management Committee Churches Uses Committee Environmental Core Group Social Responsibility Group
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ROLE PURPOSE
The Archdeacon of Cornwall will:
• Contribute to the strategic leadership of the Diocese, supporting its vision and priorities, as a member of the Episcopal College;
• On behalf of the whole Episcopal College, and in close participation with the Diocesan Bishop take the lead on a holistic approach to Mission including environmental and social responsibility.
• Ensure that clergy are recruited, deployed, housed and supported to the highest standard to enable healthy and effective ministry;
• Build pastoral and missional relationships with parishes, in particular with Churchwardens, and enable effective use of church buildings;
• Ensure that the statutory functions of an Archdeacon are fulfilled to a high standard across the Archdeaconry of Cornwall, harnessing the skills and energy of colleagues working in an integrated and collegial fashion.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
In relation to the Bishops, colleagues in diocesan roles and synodical structures of the Diocese
• On behalf of the whole Episcopal College, and in close participation with the Diocesan Bishop, to take the lead on a holistic approach to Mission including environmental and social responsibility. This will involve, inter alia o Contributing to the developing of a missional mindset amongst all the people of the Diocese o Encouraging and developing those with pioneering and entrepreneurial gifts in mission o Engaging with significant stakeholders in the Church and beyond in developing a distinctively Christian contribution to both the environmental and social challenges Cornwall faces o Making a significant contribution to the ‘mission shaping’ of the parish churches of the Diocese.
• To contribute to decision-making about the policies of the Diocese particularly in Episcopal College, Bishop's Diocesan Council, Diocesan Synod and Diocesan Committees; to uphold and interpret strategic direction and policies in those settings.
• To ensure the Bishop of Truro and Bishop of St Germans are equipped with the right information to exercise effective pastoral oversight at an appropriate level.
• To communicate regularly with, harness the skills of, and delegate to colleagues in diocesan roles to ensure clergy in their archdeaconry receive development, challenge and pastoral support, working with the Director of Ministry and his Team. Page | 3
• To work closely with the Diocesan Secretary and communicate regularly with, harness the skills of, and delegate to colleagues in diocesan roles to ensure the statutory responsibilities of the Archdeacon are fulfilled to a high standard. (A copy of the statutory responsibilities of an Archdeacon is included on pages 8 & 9 of this pack.)
In relation to clergy colleagues in their Archdeaconry
• To manage clergy appointment processes.
• To meet with clergy pastorally where appropriate in liaison with the Bishops.
• To meet with clergy as part of the Ministry Development Review (MDR) scheme.
• To work with Diocesan and Deanery colleagues to ensure that clergy are supported appropriately, particularly through times of personal and family sickness.
• To investigate and manage complaints against clergy in their archdeaconry in accordance with diocesan procedures and the Clergy Discipline Measure.
• To work with the Property Team on matters relating to clergy housing.
• To participate in licensings, inductions and ordinations.
In relation to deaneries
• To ensure regular parish inspections and ‘Visits in Parishes’ take place across the archdeaconry, covering at least a deanery per year.
• To attend the Rural Deans meetings with the Bishops, and to work closely with the archdeaconry Rural Deans and Lay Chairs.
• To assist deanery groups with the development and outworking of Deanery Plans for sustainable mission and ministry.
• To work with parishes, Deanery Standing Committees and the Archdeaconry Mission and Pastoral Committee to help implement Pastoral Schemes and pastoral reorganisation
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In relation to parishes and Parish officers
• To lead worship, preach and encourage mission and growth in parishes.
• To carry out annual Visitations across the archdeaconry, admit Churchwardens to office and respond to requests for consultation with Churchwardens in the exercise of their legal responsibilities.
• To work with Transitions Advisers is supporting parishes and benefices during transitions (aka vacancies).
• To fulfil a defined role in relation to faculty jurisdiction (see legal responsibilities).
In relation to safeguarding
• To be involved, as required, in the handling of serious safeguarding situations relating to church officers in parishes, which relate to allegations against church officers, in conjunction with the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (DSA).
• To support and advise parishes in relation to safeguarding policy and practice.
• To support incumbents in attending safeguarding training and to be familiar with the House of Bishops’ safeguarding policy and relevant guidance for parishes.
• To attend senior staff safeguarding training (C4) and other safeguarding training as required.
• To work with the DSA to assist in monitoring good safeguarding practice in parishes and ensuring that parishes (PCCs and clergy) are adhering to good safeguarding practice by paying due regard to the House of Bishops’ guidance.
In relation to the community and wider Church
• To represent the Church in the community and media either formally or informally.
• To support and encourage ecumenical relationships wherever possible.
• To contribute to the Archdeacons’ network, regionally and nationally.
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The person specification describes the skills; knowledge, attributes and experience which a person will need to have, or be able to acquire, in order to fulfil the responsibilities well. The layout below gives a suggested structure. The individual traits specified are the ones that the Diocese of Truro believes should be included.
Essential/ Desirable Theological learning, professional and personal development • Ordained priest in the Church of England or a Church in communion with it E • Ongoing theological learning and professional and personal development E • A developed understanding of contemporary issues and challenges in mission E • Engaging and effective preacher and teacher. E • Graduate degree in Theology D
Ministry and work background • Significant experience of parochial ministry E • A priest with a minimum of six years in Holy Orders E • Able to review alternative options and come to well-informed conclusions E • A demonstrated commitment to, and track record in, mission E
Leadership and management of others • Able to lead and inspire E • Communicates effectively with a range of audiences in a variety of settings E • Able to surface and manage conflict E
Working with others • A collegial team member accepting cabinet responsibility E • Exhibits self-awareness and emotional intelligence E • Willing to seek, receive and offer honest feedback and learn from it E • Experience of working across traditions and at varying levels of the Church D
Formation of others • Develop, nurture and encourage others in their faith and ministry E • Experience of advising on vocations and/or ministerial training D
Management of resources and structures • Effective development and management of budgets D • Involvement in deanery, diocesan or national governance structures E • Experience of pastoral reorganisation D • Management of employment related processes (e.g., grievance, disciplinary) D
Engagement in community life and public issues • Engagement and partnership with community leaders D • An ability to engage with the media D
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TERMS AND CONDITIONS
STIPEND Diocesan stipend for an Archdeacon, currently £35,400 per annum
PENSION Membership of non-contributory Church of England Pension scheme
HOUSE 10, The Hayes, Bodmin Road in Truro This is a two storey four bedroom detached house, situated at the end of a cul-de-sac with a driveway with parking for approximately two cars. There is also a garage. The accommodation is laid out over two levels and on the ground floor comprises an open plan living/kitchen area, utility and office and a WC. The four bedrooms are on the first floor with one en-suite shower room and a walk in wardrobe and a separate bathroom.
There are gardens to the rear and right hand side of the property with patio and grassed areas. There is also a planting area. The property has a mixture of timber feather edge fencing and a post and wire fencing installed.
TENURE The Archdeacon’s office will be held under Common Tenure as specified in the Ecclesiastical Offices (Terms of Service) Measure, 2009.
OFFICE PROVISION A study at home and a desk in Church House, plus access to meeting rooms at Church House.
WORKING EXPENSES Monthly claims and mileage are reimbursed by the Diocesan Board of Finance.
ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT The Archdeacons of Cornwall and of Bodmin share a full time Executive Assistant
TRANSPORT The post requires the post holder to travel to parishes throughout the Diocese. The post holder must have a current full driving licence and access to a car.
DBS The appointment is subject to Enhanced DBS.
APPOINTMENT TIMETABLE
Closing date for applications: 2nd November 2018
Shortlisting: 5th November 2018
Interviews: 5th December 2018 Page | 7
LEGAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF AN ARCHDEACON
The office of archdeacon has its origins in the early history of the Church. An archdeaconry is a legal division of a diocese for administrative purposes within which the archdeacon exercises an ordinary jurisdiction. The essential nature of the role has been described as ‘being a good steward so that others are freed to be the worshipping, witnessing and ministering Church’1. The legal responsibilities of an archdeacon are summarised below.
Diocesan governance
1. The archdeacon is a member, ex officio, of • the Diocesan Synod (Church Representation Rules 2011, Rule 30(4)); • the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC) (Care of Churches and Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Measure 1991, Schedule 1); • the Diocesan Parsonages Board (Repair of Benefice Buildings Measure 1972, s.1(4)); and • the Diocesan Mission and Pastoral Committee (Mission and Pastoral Measure 2011, Schedule 1).
Parochial governance
2. An archdeacon has a duty to hold visitations in his or her archdeaconry as provided in Canon C 22, paragraph 5.
3. On receiving a valid request to convene an extraordinary meeting of a PCC, the archdeacon must do so if he or she deems there is sufficient cause. The archdeacon must also chair the meeting or appoint a deputy to do so (Church Representation Rules 2011, Rule 23(1)).
4. At the direction of the bishop, the archdeacon inducts a priest who has been instituted to a benefice into the possession of its temporalities (Canon C22, paragraph 5). Although the archdeacon has no statutory role under the Patronage (Benefices) Measure 1986, in practice he or she is usually actively involved in guiding parishes through the appointments procedure.
Buildings and property
5. In his or her own archdeaconry, the archdeacon is a key player in the operation of the faculty jurisdiction under the Care of Churches and Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Measure 1991 and the Faculty Jurisdiction Rules 2013. He or she is ex officio a member of the DAC and has statutory powers: 6. to grant faculties without reference to the Chancellor in certain types of case listed in Part 7 and Schedule 2 of the Faculty Jurisdiction Rules 2013; 7. to grant a licence for temporary minor re-ordering on an experimental basis for a non- renewable period of 15 months, after which the experiment must be ended – in which case
1 Ravenscroft, the Ven. R.L. The Role of the Archdeacon Today, (1995) 3 Ecc LJ 387 Page | 8
the archdeacon has a duty to ensure that the previous position is restored - or a faculty obtained for permanent changes; and 8. to order the removal to a place of safety of an item of architectural, artistic, historic or archaeological value which appears to be at risk. 9. The archdeacon may initiate or intervene in faculty proceedings and may be asked by the Chancellor to seek local resolution of a particular case. The archdeacon is normally present at any Consistory Court hearing in his or her archdeaconry. 10. Canon C22, paragraph 5, requires the archdeacon to survey, in person or by deputy, all churches and churchyards and give direction for the amendment of all defects in the fabric, ornaments and furniture. He or she also has power under the Inspection of Churches Measure 1955, s.2 to enforce the requirement for a quinquennial inspection of a church by a qualified person.
Pastoral reorganisation
11. The archdeacon is an ‘interested party’ under s6 of the Mission and Pastoral Measure 2011 in relation to pastoral proposals affecting any benefice or parish in his or her archdeaconry. In practice, the archdeacon is usually actively involved in identifying the need for pastoral reorganisation and initiating discussions with other interested parties.
Clergy: pastoral care and discipline
12. Canon C22, paragraph 4 provides that an archdeacon ‘shall within his archdeaconry carry out his duties under the bishop and shall assist the bishop in his pastoral care and office, and particularly he shall see that all such as hold any ecclesiastical office within the same perform their duties with diligence, and shall bring to the bishop’s attention what calls for correction or merits praise.’
13. Canon C7 provides for the archdeacon to assist the bishop in the examination of candidates for ordination.
14. Under Part 1 of the Incumbents (Vacation of Benefices) Measure 1977, a request for an enquiry on the grounds of serious pastoral breakdown must in the first instance be referred by the bishop to the archdeacon, who is required to report to the bishop whether such an enquiry should, in his or her opinion, be instituted.
15. The archdeacon has no statutory role in proceedings under the Clergy Discipline Measure 2003, but the Code of Practice (paragraphs 10-12) describes circumstances in which it may be appropriate for the archdeacon to act as the complainant, or (paragraph 100) to provide pastoral support.
16. The archdeacon will normally be the person appointed by the bishop to oversee an enquiry into the capability of an office holder under Common Tenure (paragraph 4.1 of the Code of Practice issued under Regulation 31(3) of the Ecclesiastical Offices (Terms of Service) Regulations 2009).
17. The archdeacon is also usually responsible for overseeing the formal stages of the grievance procedure established under Regulation 32 of the Ecclesiastical Offices (Terms of Service) Regulations 2009. Page | 9