Letter from the Master

Friday, November 27th, 2009 | Uncategorized

I am often asked, ‘What does an Archdeacon do?’ For many the Archdeacon is unknown and few could describe what the role involves. So I will try and briefly summarize, although my original Role Profile was four pages of A4 long.

An Archdeacon’s role involves listening to people, parishes and communities -to hear where they really ‘are’ and what it feels like to be them. To respect the many differences that there are and the ways of doing things. To reflect upon what is being seen, heard and learnt in order to make sense of it all for them and for me.

Then it can involve probing and challenging in order to help people see reality and not perceived reality. To help in turning a sense of vision into reality and making it work. Helping to communicate, and communication in general, when people feel left out or uncertain.

An Archdeacon is often the person who puts people in contact with others, makes connections, and knows someone who is able to assist. He or she often has to negotiate to move things forward, and to mediate where there are differences and division. Often this has to involve steering people, or groups, into the distress that they are trying to ignore, in order to face the hurt and move on positively from that place.

In practical terms, the Archdeacon represents the Bishop, and works with him in the process of appointments and staff changes in the Archdeaconry. This for me stretches from Otterbourne to Burghclere, and from Yateley to Shipton Bellinger. It is a total of about 190 parishes and about seventy stipendiary clergy. If there are problems, then the Archdeacon assists the Bishop.

I am also expected to share with the Bishop the care, counseling and support of clergy, lay workers and their families, and to encourage and enable the ministry of churchwardens. To support and continue the development of Rural Deans and Deanery Lay Chairmen and to Chair the Northern Area Team, which consists of ‘my’ seven Rural Deans and Lay Chairs. Also, I share in the Bishop’s ministry of preaching and teaching.

Archdeacons have a specific legal role to play and work with the Chancellor and Registrar of the Diocese in Faculties for church buildings and churchyards; ensuring that work is carried out in accordance with the provisions; are concerned with clergy houses and diocesan property; ensure the proper and effective use of church buildings for mission; and take a lead in pastoral re-organization in the Archdeaconry.

Archdeacons sit on many committees (I am linked to about twenty five), and promote the management of the diocese through its councils and structures. I am also on the General Synod and represent the Diocese nationally. The Archdeacon has been described as the oil in the diocesan machinery, enabling it to function smoothly; and as the ‘eyes and ears’ of the Bishop. Altogether there are only about one hundred Archdeacons in England.

In early December the Bishop of Basingstoke is leaving our Diocese, and will become the Bishop of Dover and the Bishop in Canterbury. Until a new Bishop of Basingstoke is appointed (in several months time), I will be the Bishop of Winchester’s representative in the Archdeaconry. This means that I will take on some of the roles that the Bishop of Basingstoke does, just during the Vacancy. Principally I will be responsible, to the Bishop, for Vacancies and appointments and pastoral care.

Debbie and I always greatly value your prayers and support, but we would particularly do so during the next few months when extra responsibilities are placed upon me. I am still your parish priest and Master, and value that important part of my ministry, and I will continue to pray for you also.

Michael