Bishop of the Diocese The Right Revd John Fenwick
Diocesan Secretary The Revd William Hall
The Diocesan Secretary records the proceedings of the Synod. He circulates all Synod notices and instructions of the Bishop, and generally assists the work of each Parish as time and circumstances may require. The Diocesan Secretary also helps to organise the twice-yearly Clergy Conference. From time to time the Secretary and Treasurer meet with the Bishop as a Diocesan Staff Meeting to pray and plan for the work of the Diocese.
Diocesan Treasurer The Revd Dr Gordon Wareing
The Treasurer receives and deposits in the Bank all the funds of the Synod and keeps a record of all transactions. He collects the annual Parish Quotas. The Treasurer also pays all authorised outgoings. Each year he submits all books and accounts to the appointed Auditor, and then presents a statement of accounts to the Synod and a Balance Sheet annually.
Director of Young Life and Vocations The Revd Steven Rutt
Young people’s work is a vital part of the life of the Diocese. It is the responsibility of the Director of Young Life and Vocations to co-ordinate parish activities among young people. This includes assisting and advising on the work of Sunday Schools and the activities of the Youth of the Diocese, visiting the Parishes as necessary. He also facilitates the use of authorised courses of instruction and arranges appropriate assessment. The goal is to train young people to know the Lord and to live their faith as active and intelligent members of the Church. An extension of this work is to assist the parishes in discerning vocations to the ordained ministry and nurturing potential candidates as they explore the possibility of God’s call.
Secretary of the Home Mission Fund The Right Revd John Fenwick
All our Churches contribute regularly to a range of charities, both within the UK and overseas. In addition, the Free Church of England has a Fund specifically designed to assist Christian mission in our Churches – the Home Mission Fund. The Diocesan Home Mission Fund Secretary is responsible for raising money from the parishes by whatever means he finds suitable, including arranging and addressing meetings on behalf of the Fund. The amounts raised are then forwarded to the General Treasurer. Parishes may then apply to the Fund for financial assistance with their projects.
Chaplain of the Union of Women’s Fellowships The Right Revd John Fenwick
The Gospel calls women and men to work for the extension of the Kingdom of God. As a way of supporting women and of channelling their contribution to the life of the Church, some parishes have a Women’s Fellowship. From time to time the Women’s Fellowships get together at one of the Churches at an event, usually with a guest speaker, to which all the women of the Diocese are invited. The Women’s Fellowships have their own President and committee. Diocesan Synod appoints one of the presbyters as Chaplain to the Fellowships, to supervise their work and give them such advice and assistance as may be required.
Prayer Secretary The Revd John Taylor
One of the priorities of the Diocese is to enable all our members to be praying people. There is a Diocesan Prayer Card which has been distributed via all the Churches. In addition, there is a yearly Prayer Diary, in which all the Churches of the Free Church of England are prayed for regularly, together with many other causes. The Prayer Secretary is responsible for this, and for keeping people informed of individuals or situations needing urgent prayer.
