Who to Contact

Lead bishop scheme

In order to facilitate and streamline communication with the bishops and to enhance episcopal support across the diocese, the Diocesan Bishop has agreed a sharing of episcopal responsibilities. Either Bishop Geoffrey or Bishop David is “lead bishop” for a given archdeaconry, as follows:

• Eastern, Switzerland, NW Europe, Italy & Malta: Bishop Geoffrey
• Germany & N. Europe, France, Gibraltar: Bishop David

In each archdeaconry the lead bishop works closely with the relevant archdeacon on

1. provision of pastoral care for the clergy and congregations
2. oversight of vacancy and appointment processes
3. consultation with mission agencies
4. strategic direction, mission planning and new initiatives
5. sector ministries

Any questions or enquiries on these matters should be directed to the local archdeacon in the first instance, or to the lead bishop’s office.

Ecumenical / Churches in Communion matters

Questions or enquiries on ecumenical or churches in communion matters or relations should be directed as follows:

General advice for diocesan clergy, readers and church officers

The unusual structure of the Diocese gives rise to many other questions. The Diocesan Handbook provides a great deal of detailed advice on many different subjects. All the diocesan clergy, readers and church officers are encouraged to become familiar with it and should consult this resource when a question arises. The Handbook is available on the diocesan website at http://www.europe.anglican.org/resources/resources_administration.htm.

However, since the Handbook deals with topics in some depth, this list has been compiled to give to the clergy, readers and church officers a quick reference list of who to contact with a query.

For other matters, the following gives either a ‘first port of call’ or the person officially responsible. When in doubt, ask the Archdeacon.
 

Forms available from the Diocesan Secretary or the Diocesan Website (in progress)

• Advice for Treasurers
• Annual Review of Stipend (stipendiary clergy only)
• Annual Chaplaincy Council Officers’ Return
• Annual Chaplaincy / Congregation / Parish Child Protection Policy Statement
• Child Protection Declaration
• Churchwarden’s Declaration and Certificate of Admission
• Communion before Confirmation
• Forms in respect of making Gift Aid donations
• Bishop’s Licence for the Solemnization of Matrimony
• Bishop’s Permission for a Service of Prayer and Blessing after Marriage
• Bishop’s Permission to assist Distribution of Holy Communion
• Bishop’s Permission under the Ecumenical Canons
• Reception into the Church of England
• Recommended forms of words for wills and bequests