DOCSLIB.ORG

Colchester St Martin Diocese of Chelmsford

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Colchester St Martin Diocese of Chelmsford Draft Pastoral (Church Buildings Disposal) Scheme This scheme is made by the Church Commissioners (“the Commissioners”) this day of 2020 under the Mission and Pastoral Measure 2011. Background 1. By a Scheme of the Commissioners made pursuant to the Pastoral Measure 1983 and confirmed by Her Majesty in Council on the 19th day of December 1991 (“the 1991 Scheme”) the redundant church of Saint Martin, Colchester in the Diocese of Chelmsford (“the building”) was appropriated for use for civic, cultural, community or office purposes and the Chelmsford Diocesan Board of Finance (“the Board”) was empowered to lease the building for the said uses. 2. By a further Scheme of the Commissioners, made pursuant to the Pastoral Measure 1983 and confirmed by Her Majesty in Council on the 11th day of April 1995 (“the 1995 Scheme”) clauses 2 and 3 of the 1991 Scheme were revoked and it was provided that the Churches Conservation Trust should be responsible for the care and maintenance of the building and its contents. 3. It is now desired, with the agreement of the Secretary of State, to make new provision for the future of the building. NOW, it is provided as follows:- Future of the building 1. Clauses 2, 3 and 4 of the 1995 Scheme are hereby revoked 2. The building shown hatched on the attached plan shall be appropriated to use for worship services and other religious activities in accordance with the rites and customs of the Antiochian Orthodox Church and for purposes ancillary thereto. Disposal 3. The Commissioners are hereby empowered to sell the building for the said use with the benefit of the rights granted by Schedule 1. Contents 4. The contents of the building shall be disposed of as the Bishop shall direct subject, so far as it is required, to listed building consent being granted. Coming into operation of this Scheme 5. This Scheme shall not come into operation until such date as the Commissioners shall determine following the making of this Scheme and the Commissioners shall not be obliged to bring the Scheme or any part thereof into operation until such time as they are satisfied that the conditions specified in Schedule 2 have been complied with but may do so if they so determine. In witness of which this Scheme has been duly executed as a deed by the Church Commissioners. Executed as a Deed by the Church Commissioners for England acting by two authorised signatories: ------------------------------------------------- Signature of Authorised Signatory --------- ---------------------------------------- Signature of Authorised Signatory Plan Schedule 1: Grant of Rights of Way To enable the building to be used for the purpose specified in the Scheme, the following rights shall vest in the Commissioners for the benefit of the building:- (i) A right of way on foot only for the purchaser and all persons authorised by it over and along the pathways in the remaining churchyard leading to the building. (ii) A right for the purchaser to the passage of soil, water, electricity, gas and telecommunication services through any sewers, drains, wires, cables and other conducting media (“the services”) now laid or to be laid upon or above the remaining churchyard. (iii) A right for the purchaser and all persons authorised by it upon reasonable prior notice in writing to the parochial church council of the parish within the area of which the building is for the time being situated, or without notice in the case of emergency, to enter with or without vehicles, equipment and apparatus upon such parts of the remaining churchyard as may be necessary for the purpose of inspecting, repairing, maintaining or renewing the services subject to the person exercising such right causing as little damage as possible to the remaining churchyard and any graves, tombstones, monuments and memorials therein, and subject to the purchaser making good any damage so caused to the reasonable satisfaction of the said parochial church council or other person for the time being responsible for the care and maintenance of the remaining churchyard and (iv) All rights and easements appertaining or reputed to appertain to the redundant building (in common with all others entitled to the like rights) including (without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing) the rights and easements reserved by a Conveyance dated the 12th day of September 1986 and made between the Board and Colchester Borough Council. Schedule 2: Conditions (i) That the intended recipients of the building are financially able to implement the proposed use. (ii) That Planning Permission and Listed Building Consent has been obtained for such alterations as are necessary to enable the implementation of the proposed use. EXPLANATORY NOTE MISSION AND PASTORAL MEASURE 2011 DRAFT PASTORAL (CHURCH BUILDINGS DISPOSAL) SCHEME COLCHESTER ST MARTIN DIOCESE OF CHELMSFORD This note accompanies a draft scheme under the Mission and Pastoral Measure 2011 which makes provision for the future of a closed church building. The Church Commissioners provide this information so that individuals and interested parties can understand the background to the proposals, make a reasoned judgement on the merits of the draft scheme and, if they see fit, a reasoned expression of support or objection to it. The Current Proposals The Commissioners have agreed to publish a draft Pastoral (Church Buildings Disposal) Scheme providing for the closed church of Colchester St Martin to be devested from the Churches Conservation Trust (CCT) and sold for worship to the Antiochian Orthodox Church. The draft scheme, which this note accompanies, contains provisions for the sale of the church building for use for worship in accordance with the rites and customs of the Antiochian Orthodox Church (AOC). Background The building was vested in the Diocese of Chelmsford for lease for use for civic, cultural, community or office purposes in 1991. However, these uses were not implemented and in 1995 the building was vested in the CCT for care and maintenance. The AOC offered to purchase the building for its own worship use and the CCT requested the approval from the Commissioners and the Government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport for the devesting from the CCT and sale, which was granted by both bodies. The Building St Martin's is located on West Stockwell Street to the southeast of Colchester Town Hall and is a spectacular Medieval church with a colossal truncated tower. It is thought to have Anglo- Saxon foundations and is an important remnant of the town’s early medieval origins with extensive later medieval fabric and therefore archaeologically sensitive. The earliest visible fabric from the twelfth century is in the nave and in the west tower, which also contains reused Roman bricks. The long chancel with its unusual fourteenth century traceried arch- braced truss forms a screen to the sanctuary. The transepts and aisles were built (or rebuilt) in the late fourteenth or early fifteenth century. The tower was repaired in truncated form after its partial collapse and siege damage in the seventeenth century. The church was restored by Sir George Gilbert Scott in 1876, E J Dampier in 1882-3 and the Revd Ernest Geldart in 1891. The Views of the Statutory Advisory Committee The Commissioners statutory advisors, The Statutory Advisory Committee of the Church Buildings Council (SAC) in its early advice concluded that the church is a Grade II* listed building of moderate to high significance with limited scope for change. The SAC was consulted on the proposed worship use and is of the opinion that the significance of the building warranted its vesting in the CCT in 1995 in the absence of a suitable alternative use, and advised that the building still merits preservation either by use as a monument or by conversion to a suitable new use that will protect its character and interest and welcomed the prospect of the proposed AOC worship use. Planning and access Colchester Borough Council has granted Listed Building Consent for the AOC’s proposed alterations to the building with conditions relating to the detail of these works. Pedestrian access to the building is through the churchyard which is directly off West Stockwell Street. Parking is restricted on West Stockwell Street and surrounding streets but there are several car parks within walking distance. Burials and the Churchyard The churchyard contains burials but is not affected by the draft Scheme as it is only the building that is to be sold for worship use by the AOC. The churchyard continues to belong to the Parochial Church Council but Colchester City Council is responsible for its maintenance. Correspondence Further information about the proposals may be obtained from the Case Officer, Karen Abaka-Wood by e-mail at [email protected] or by telephone at 07825 854 938 . Representations against or in support of the draft Scheme Anyone may make a representation for or against any provision of the draft Scheme. Representations should be sent to: Representations Closed Churches Division, Church Commissioners Church House Great Smith Street London SW1P 3AZ Or by e-mail to: [email protected] Any communication received after Thursday 5th November 2020 cannot be treated as a representation. If we receive representations against the draft Scheme, we will send all representations, both for and against, to the Bishop, whose view will be sought. Individual representors will then receive copies of our correspondence with the Bishop (including copies of all the representations) and they may comment further in writing to us in light of the diocesan response if they so wish. If no representations against the Scheme are received the Commissioners shall make the Scheme and bring it into effect as provided for in the scheme and explained above. Information on the Mission and pastoral Measure 2011 and its procedures can be found on the Church Commissioners’ website at www.ccpastoral.org where there are also links to download copies of these notes and the draft scheme.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • The Diocese of Chelmsford Vine Schools Trust Is a Company Limited
    Child Protection Policy “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit” (John 15:5) . / This is a policy for all Vine schools that has been personalised to reflect local arrangements at this school. S It T Policy Reference: S001 Approved by Vine Schools Trust on: Autumn 21 Adopted by this school on: Autumn 21 T Next review: Autumn 22 or as required or P a g e Source: Jo Barclay Essex Safeguarding The Diocese of Chelmsford Vine Schools Vine Schools Vine Schools Trust is a company limited by guarantee. Registered in England No 8709542. Registered Office 53, New Street Chelmsford CM1 1AT Vision & Values V Valuing every person I Inspiring great teaching N Nurturing academic excellence and Christian Character E Excelling, unlocking great potential 2 | P a g e Author: Jo Barclay, Head of Education Safeguarding and Wellbeing - August 2021 Copyright © Essex County Council 2021 No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system of any nature, downloaded, transmitted or distributed in any form or by any means including photocopying and recording, without the prior written permission of Essex County Council, the copyright owner ROLE NAME CONTACT EMAIL NUMBER Designated Safeguarding Lead Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead Headteacher CEO Emma Wigmore [email protected] Member of the Local Schools (Governance) Board responsible for Safeguarding Safeguarding Director Rev E Snowdon [email protected] 3 | P a g e Author: Jo Barclay, Head of Education Safeguarding
    [Show full text]
  • GS Misc 1292
    Strategic Investment Board Annual report 2020 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” Romans 10 14-15 Table of Contents Foreword 3 Sustainability Funding 4 Lowest Income Communities Funding 5 Strategic Development Funding 6 Map of Projects Supported by Strategic Development Funding 7 Progress and Outcomes from Strategic Development Funding 8 Strategic Challenges 11 Mission to Children and Young People 12 Mission in Deprived Areas 14 List of SDF Projects Awarded in 2020 16 Evaluation and Monitoring 18 Learning From SDF 19 Strategic Development Funding in 2021-2022 20 Strategic Transformation Funding 21 Financial Position 22 Diocesan Peer Review Programme 23 Conclusion 24 Annex A: Members of the Strategic Investment Board in 2020 25 Foreword This has been an extraordinary and challenging subsequently in developing the applications, has year. Extraordinary in the sense that so much has been one of the positive developments this year, changed so quickly in our lives, and the lives of our and one we propose to continue. parishes and dioceses; and challenging, not only The pandemic has accelerated many of the because of the Covid-19 virus itself – and its existing downward trends in attendance and mental, physical and emotional impact – but also finance that dioceses were already facing. Many because of the impact on worship and finances.
    [Show full text]
  • GS Misc 1095 GENERAL SYNOD the Dioceses Commission Annual
    GS Misc 1095 GENERAL SYNOD The Dioceses Commission Annual Report 2014 1. The Dioceses Commission is required to report annually to the General Synod. This is its seventh report. 2. It consists of a Chair and Vice-Chair appointed by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York from among the members of the General Synod; four members elected by the Synod; and four members appointed by the Appointments Committee. Membership and Staff 3. The membership and staff of the Commission are as follows: Chair: Canon Prof. Michael Clarke (Worcester) Vice-Chair: The Ven Peter Hill (to July 2014) The Revd P Benfield (from November 2014) Elected Members: The Revd Canon Jonathan Alderton-Ford (St Eds & Ips) The Revd Paul Benfield (Blackburn) (to November 2014) Mr Robert Hammond (Chelmsford) Mr Keith Malcouronne (Guildford) Vacancy from November 2014 Appointed Members: The Rt Revd Christopher Foster, Bishop of Portsmouth (from March 2014) Mrs Lucinda Herklots The Revd Canon Dame Sarah Mullally, DBE Canon Prof. Hilary Russell Secretary: Mr Jonathan Neil-Smith Assistant Secretary: Mr Paul Clarkson (to March 2014) Mrs Diane Griffiths (from April 2014) 4. The Ven Peter Hill stepped down as Vice-Chair of the Commission upon his appointment as Bishop of Barking in July 2014. The Commission wishes to place on record their gratitude to Bishop Peter for his contribution as Vice-Chair to the Commission over the last three years. The Revd Paul Benfield was appointed by the Archbishops as the new Vice-Chair of the Commission in November 2014. 5. Mrs Diane Griffiths succeeded Paul Clarkson as Assistant Secretary to the Commission.
    [Show full text]
  • Bendlowe's Bugle
    BENDLOWE’S BUGLE MAY 2021 21st June 2021 Are we there yet Boris? 17th May 12th April 29th March 8th March MAY 2021 ISSUE (No 13) IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY:- PAGE NO GILL ASKEW/HEATHER SMITH St. Andrew’s Church, Shalford, Flower Arrangers ………………………………….. 27 SIMON BREEZE Life at Gosfield School 1980 – 1984 ………………………………………………... 19 - 22 GRAHAM BRACE Photography - One Step Up From The Happy Snapper! ………………………... 23 - 25 Photo: Muntjac ………………………………………………………………………….. 25 Photo: Brown Hare ………………………………………………………………….…. 38 Photo: Mrs Red …………………………………………………………………………. 41 ROBERT BURROWS Crossword ……………………………………………………………………………..… 37 SHEILA BUSH Poem: Looking Forward ……………………………………………………………… 32 Light-Hearted Odes ………………………………………………………...………….. 36 ANGELA CANHAM My Grandfather Arthur Purkiss 1874 – 1978 ……………………………………. 39 - 40 ALICE COX Petanque Terrain at Shalford Village Hall ………………………………….……… 26 In Loving Memory of David French and Jeanne Wakefield ……………………… 41 Congratulations to Simon Breeze ……………………………..…………………….. 41 DIDI CROOK Poem: High Memories – and a Pilgrimage on Mount Kailash, Tibet ……..… 16 - 18 MEL FRAY Paper Cutting – High School Reunion …………………………….………………… 32 White Roses for Hope …………………………………………..…………………… 42 - 43 VIC GOODEY Tales from the College …………………………………………………...…………. 28 - 32 You’re Not Welcome – Boris Said So! ………………………………………………. 38 2 MAY 2021 ISSUE (No 13) IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY (cont):- PAGE NO. ANDREW HULL Tuk Tuk Travels ……………………………………………………………………………. 48 - 51 CAROL HUSSEY Poem: Lost ……………………………………………………………………………………. 26 Lavender & Gin Ice Cream …………………………………………………………...……. 52 Coronavirus Letter to Humanity Written by Vivienne R Reich ……………….……….. 55 MARK NEVILLE The Importance of Community Support for People Affected by Dementia ………… 45 - 46 REVD CANON JANET NICHOLLS Rogation 2021………………………………………………………………..………. 47 STEWART PENNEY Saudi Arabia ……………………………………………………….………………………. 4 - 10 DAVID PAUL The Night Skies of Shalford …………………………………………………………….. 13 – 15 MICHAEL SMITH (SMUDGER) The Story of My Life as Best as I Can Remember …………………………………...
    [Show full text]
  • Episcopacy in the Diocese of Chelmsford: a New Bishop Of
    Episcopacy in the Diocese of Chelmsford: A new Bishop of Bradwell November 2017 DRAFT Contents 1. Introduction 3 2. A Vision for the Diocese of Chelmsford 6 3. Overview of the Diocese of Chelmsford 8 4. The Episcopal Areas and Archdeaconries 9 5. Role description and Person Specification 10 6. The Bradwell Episcopal Area 13 7. Working together 19 Appendix: The diocese and its people 20 1. Introduction What sort of episcopal oversight, leadership and ministry do we need in the diocese of Chelmsford? Since 1984 the answer to this question was the area system. That is, a system of oversight and governance, whereby the diocese was organised into three areas, with virtually all episcopal responsibilities delegated to the Area Bishop. This in turn leaves the diocesan free for strategic oversight within the diocese and for national responsibilities. The diocese of Chelmsford is what you might call, a small province rather than a big diocese. However, for about the same amount of time there has also been a recognition that this model wasn’t working as well as it might. The sheer size of the diocese has always stretched our leadership structures and resources. In 1989 a decision was made to create a fourth episcopal area, but this was never implemented beyond creating a new archdeaconry of Harlow in 1993. The question was raised several times and particularly by Bishop John Gladwin. Stephen Cottrell was enthroned as the tenth Bishop of Chelmsford in November 2010. He was appointed with a clear brief to help the Church in Essex and East London become more intentionally missional and evangelistic in all its ministry.
    [Show full text]
  • Admissions Policy 2021/2022
    Admissions Policy 2021/2022 St Margaret’s C of E Academy, London Road, Bowers Gifford, Basildon, SS132DU The Diocese of Chelmsford Vine Schools Trust is a company limited by guarantee. Registered in England No 8709542. Registered Office 53, New Street Chelmsford CM1 1AT ‘God’s word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for our path.’ Inspired by Psalms 119.105 The Diocese of Chelmsford Vine Schools Trust At St Margaret’s C of E Academy we celebrate the uniqueness of every child of God in a Christian Community and encourage them to flourish and shine in all they do, preparing them for life’s journey. Our school has a distinctive Christian ethos which is at the heart of the school and provides an inclusive, caring and supportive environment shaped by our core Christian values of Love, Friendship, Perseverance, Respect, Courage and Wisdom. The Diocese of Chelmsford Vine School’s Trust is the admissions authority for St Margaret’s Academy and has delegated responsibility for admissions to the Vine Trust South Essex Local Board (LB). In line with Trust policy, this board try to admit the children of all parents who opt for their children to be educated at this school. It should be noted that our number intended to admit is a maximum of 30. Therefore, living in the Parish of Bowers Gifford and North Benfleet does not guarantee a place at the school for your child. All children with a statement of Special Educational Need that names St Margaret’s CE Academy will be offered a place at the school.
    [Show full text]
  • Trustees' Annual Report
    The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Peter, Colchester Trustees' Annual Report For the year ended 31 December 2019 Priest-in-Charge Rev Mark Wallace Associate Minister Rev Aella Gage Bank Santander Hon. Treasurer Mr Richard Lawn Independent Examiner Mr Tony Allen Registered Charity Number: 1163262 Aims and Purposes St Peter’s PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the Incumbent, Rev Mark Wallace, in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. St Peter’s is a town centre church, with a gathered congregation and a valued heritage of evangelical and expository ministry. The PCC is also responsible for the maintenance of the Church building and Church hall on North Hill, Colchester. Objective and Activities The PCC is committed to enabling as many people as possible to worship at our church and to become part of our parish community at St Peter's. The PCC maintains an overview of worship throughout the parish and makes suggestions on how our services can involve the people that live within our parish, and beyond. Our services and worship put faith into practice through study of God's word, prayer, music and sacraments. We also have a concern to provide practical help to those around us in particular need - especially the homeless, families and the elderly. When planning our activities for the year, we try to enable ordinary people to live out their faith as part of our parish community through: Worship and prayer; learning about the Gospel; and developing their knowledge and trust in Jesus.
    [Show full text]
  • Diocese of Oxford)
    CHURCH BUILDINGS COUNCIL Casework policy and precedents December 2020 Context The policies and precedents set out below have all arisen from casework considered by the Council at its recent meetings. They show how it has approached various policy matters and practical questions and are recorded by the Council to guide future decisions. They are published for the information of Diocesan Advisory Committees, and for the benefit of parishes considering changes to buildings. They help to indicate how the Council will approach matters and the matters that the Council will consider in forming its advice. Decisions over proposals for works to a church building are taken according to the framework of the Duffield Questions as modified by the Court of Arches over Penshurst (See http://www.churchcare.co.uk/churches/guidance-advice/making-changes-to-your- building/duffield-question). The purpose of the questions is to assess if a proposal will cause harm to a building and, if the answer is yes, if the harm is justified by the need for the proposed works. In the context of a church building due regard must be had to the church as a centre of worship and mission. Benefits to the worship and mission of the church can be used to show need for works that cause some degree of harm to the building. Although few cases considered by the Council will proceed to a hearing in open court, where the use of this framework is maybe most obvious, it informs how the Council approaches matters that are referred to it. Some of the principles below will already be familiar.
    [Show full text]
  • Parish Profile
    Parish Profile An invitation to lead the Pilgrim Parishes as our Priest The Pilgrim Parishes Parish Profile Contents SUMMARY OVERVIEW .......................................................................................................... 2 1. THE PERSON WE SEEK .............................................................................................. 3 2. INTRODUCING OURSELVES ...................................................................................... 7 3. OUR MINISTRY ...................................................................................................... 11 4. OUR MISSION & COMMUNITY PRESENCE ............................................................... 17 5. OUR ADMINISTRATION & FINANCES ...................................................................... 23 6. OUR BUILDINGS & PROPERTIES .............................................................................. 25 APPENDIX ........................................................................................................................... 33 Issue 1.0 1 of 38 The Pilgrim Parishes Parish Profile SUMMARY OVERVIEW The Pilgrim Parishes was set up in 2016 when two rural benefices to the north and east of Great Dunmow were joined under the oversight of a fulltime Priest-in-Charge. At present we are at an early stage of working together to become a combined benefice. With the Lord’s guidance we are seeking a new priest with vision and competence to encourage and build up effective mission and ministry to reach out and meet the needs of the people
    [Show full text]
  • The Diocese of Chelmsford Archdeaconry Profiles
    The Diocese of Chelmsford Archdeaconry Profiles: Archdeaconry of Barking Archdeaconry of Southend Archdeaconry of Stansted 1 The Diocese of Chelmsford The Diocese of Chelmsford is a church region of more than 1,500 square miles that stretches from the east coast to the Thames and ranges from countryside to towns and suburbs. It comprises the county of Essex, the unitary authorities of Southend and Thurrock, and the east London boroughs of Barking & Dagenham, Havering, Newham, Redbridge and Waltham Forest. Chelmsford diocese is a big, dynamic and vibrant place and its residents represent most, if not all, socio-economic groups; with a wide diversity in terms of affluence and poverty, culture, different faiths and church traditions. With a population of nearly 3 million people Chelmsford is the second largest diocese in England. There are 463 parishes and 599 churches. Nearly 30,000 children and young people attend church schools, and an estimated 100,000 young people share in assemblies, chaplaincy, clubs and youth work. The Diocese is young; created in 1914, having formerly been part of the Dioceses of London, Rochester and St Albans. It extends from the River Lea in East London, to the Essex coast and the boundary with Suffolk. That the Diocese contains such huge diversity creates a very special place that is different from most other large dioceses and creates unique opportunities and challenges for the future. 2 Archdeaconry of Barking The Barking episcopal area covers the western part of the diocese in what was originally old Essex, east of the river Lea. The Episcopal Area is named after the ancient abbey founded as a missionary centre by St Erkenwald in 666 for his sister Saint Ethelburga.
    [Show full text]
  • Borough of Southend-On-Sea
    BOROUGH OF SOUTHEND-ON-SEA Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (S.A.C.R.E.) Annual Report 2003 Introduction Over the past year SACRE has continued to meet and to look at the provision for RE within the Borough. Importantly we have reviewed the RE syllabus used and have recommended to the Council that the new Essex Agreed Syllabus be adopted in schools here. The council have backed this recommendation. We usually meet in schools and have a report on the RE in those schools. We are highly impressed by what we see and hear. Nationally the provision of RE can be patchy and some schools are found to sit very lightly to their statutory responsibilities. The situation locally appears to be better, even though not perfect. But our impression is that RE is taught with passion, commitment and skill in most of our local schools. It is our conviction that in a diverse community such as we find in our borough good teaching of RE has much to offer in building up mutual understanding and respect. We hear much of citizenship as an important topic for schools, and it is difficult to believe it is possible to be a good citizen without having an informed understanding of the role religion plays in society and the world, and in the lives of a significant proportion of individuals. I would like to thank all those members who have served on SACRE in the past year, and hope that the next 12 months will also be informative and beneficial to members and to schools.
    [Show full text]
  • The Nature and Extent of Companion Links in the Anglican Communion A
    The Nature and Extent of Companion Links in the Anglican Communion A research project conducted by Janice Price between October 2014 and October 2016. Report 1. Introduction Companion Links in the Anglican Communion have their roots in the report Mutual Responsibility and Interdependence which came from the Toronto Anglican Congress in 1963. The report of the conference stated that, ‘It is now irrelevant to talk of "giving" and "receiving" churches. The keynotes of our time are equality, interdependence, mutual responsibility.’1 The Report went on to outline a wider series of measures to re-frame the nature of the Anglican Communion as a partnership of equals, ‘Every church needs to develop swiftly every possible channel of communication with its companions in the Anglican Communion--indeed in the Church of Christ as a whole. This is not merely a matter of the printed word or occasional visits. It is a matter of deep and deliberate involvement in one another's affairs and life. It means the re-orientation of much of our teaching in parishes. It means a radical change in the structure of our prayers. It means massive exchange programs of men and women in different categories. It means a host of designed ways by which our common life and mutual interdependence may be expressed.’2 In the ensuing 53 years there has been a considerable growth in communication through Companion Links across the Anglican Communion. Currently in the Church of England every diocese has at least one link with another church in the Anglican Communion and some up to three or more.
    [Show full text]