Martyn Webster- Registered: 18 Nov 2017
- Posts: 56
#1
The attached notice is posted on the door of St Mary's church.Can anyone explain the meaning of "right of presentation" to those of us who do not understand these terms.
Arthur- Registered: 18 Nov 2020
- Posts: 455
#2
In easy terms it means that after the previous Team Rector left to take up another post his position was not filled after the due advertising and interview process had been completed. Consequently an interim Team Rector will be appointed for a period of up to five years. I think I’ve explained it correctly. There’s bound to be a more clerical interpretation but basically that’s what is happening. I’m sure someone will correct me if that’s wrong.
Weird Granny Slater
- Location: Dover
- Registered: 7 Jun 2017
- Posts: 3,095
#3
My reading is that there'll be no appointment to the benefice for the period specified, i.e. 5 years from 4 November 2020. Why this might be so is another matter. Belt-tightening, perhaps.
The provisions she references are these:
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukcm/2011/3/part/8'Pass the cow dung, my dropsy's killing me' - Heraclitus
Martyn Webster- Registered: 18 Nov 2017
- Posts: 56
#4
Many thanks for this both of you.Much appreciated as I must admit it mystified me.Effectively then does this mean that there is no vicar in place?Sorry the pic posted sideways btw.
Arthur- Registered: 18 Nov 2020
- Posts: 455
#5
There are currently two clergy and one curate covering the Dover churches- supported by Readers. The contract for one of those clergy ends in February and because of the nature of the appointment it cannot be renewed in the same form. An interim Team Rector will be appointed ( though I don’t know when that will be) and the ‘team’ will be two again. None of the churches will have their ‘Own’ priest again, the churches don’t have the funds to pay them. Services are held at different times to make the best of the situation- not ideal but everyone doing the best they can. Hope that helps.
Weird Granny Slater- Location: Dover
- Registered: 7 Jun 2017
- Posts: 3,095
#6
A, are clerical positions funded by the parish or diocese, without financial input from the Commissioners? Also, who is the Patron nowadays? I assume it's not a rich local. Maybe the bishop herself?
'Pass the cow dung, my dropsy's killing me' - Heraclitus
Arthur- Registered: 18 Nov 2020
- Posts: 455
#7
There is a patronage board who oversee the appointment process. The posts are funded by the Parish share levied on each church - I don’t think there’s anything from the church commissioner.
The Dover team benefice did interview for the vacant Team Rector post but didn’t result in an appointment- there was only one candidate. That’s why there’s a suspension of presentation.
I don’t have all the information but I do know there will be no increase in clergy numbers.
Weird Granny Slater- Location: Dover
- Registered: 7 Jun 2017
- Posts: 3,095
#8
Thanks. You write that 'posts are funded by the Parish share levied on each church.' Where do the individual churches find the income to fund a parish levy? Donations?
'Pass the cow dung, my dropsy's killing me' - Heraclitus
Arthur- Registered: 18 Nov 2020
- Posts: 455
#9
The Parish Share is a thorny problem that every church has to wrestle. It’s based on the number on the parish role ( that’s the church congregation basically). The share is paid from income from the congregation, it also includes income from fees paid for weddings, funerals, cremation of ashes. Fund raising is vital - especially for the smaller churches but of course this year it hasn’t been possible. With no regular services the congregation has been encouraged to make donations online or set up a regular direct debit. Sometimes there are legacies when someone dies but these are decreasing as church numbers dwindle. Most churches run on a shoestring and rely heavily on individual members generously paying for things such as the electricity bill, candles, communion wine, flowers etc. Some retired clergy who take services only take a minimal amount towards travel expenses rather than what they’re allowed to charge. For that church PCCs are incredibly grateful. Some churches have been unable to make their parish share levy and others have paid more where they have been able to make up the shortfall. It’s not easy to juggle the income/expenditure.
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