Appointing a new Rector - Update

On 12 November the members of the PCCs of the four parishes met with the Rt Rev’d Sarah
Bullock, Area Bishop of Shrewsbury. The meeting was an opportunity to review progress with
the appointment of a new Rector and clarify what would happen next.
The parishes and Benefice had completed the writing of the Profile, a document intended for
clergy interested in finding out about what the post here would entail. Bishop Sarah
described it as telling a clear story, of where we have been and want to be, and outlining the
challenges we face in a positive way. Indeed, surprisingly, in particular for rural parishes, it
showed the churches at work.
We can now proceed to the posting of an advert, in the Lichfield Diocese and in the Church
Times. It was thought that the probable deadline for applications would be the beginning of
January. This would be followed by shortlisting and each parish has named a representative
to be involved in this process and on the interview panel. These people are not delegates;
they are tasked with using their wisdom and discernment to make decisions and should not
be questioned or lobbied!
Before interview, shortlisted candidates are invited to the Benefice for a Familiarisation Day,
an opportunity to look round the churches and the area. The interview day starts with Holy
Communion in one of the churches, a service which is open to all and at which candidates
preach. Everyone then leaves the panel to get on with the job.
There will be a period of silence following the interviews. No decision can be reported until
the selected person has DBS clearance and the day and time of the announcement has been
agreed. We shall probably be well into 2025 before we reach this day!
K Kimber – on behalf of the Border Benefice
14 November 2024