Coronavirus Update 8th Sept 2020

To all clergy in the Diocese of Southwark, copied to Lay Ministers, Parish Secretaries, Churchwardens, Deanery Lay Chairs and Deanery Secretaries

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

We know that many parishes have started to think about the arrangements for holding APCMs and Churchwarden elections. Many parishes have already made plans to hold these meetings in the coming weeks, which is very welcome.

However, other parishes are, quite understandably, worried about whether and how they will be able to hold these meetings this autumn in the current circumstances. We must also be aware, given the Government’s latest announcements, that the COVID-19 pandemic is far from over and future lockdowns or other restrictions are likely.

Bishop Christopher has therefore decided, with the support of the Archdeacons, that parishes should have the flexibility to hold these meetings either in the autumn of this year or in the spring of 2021, and has set 31 May 2021 as the date by which 2020 meetings must be held. It will still be necessary to hold the meetings that were due to take place this year even if the meeting itself is postponed to early next year.

To explain these changes, we attach a guidance note with ‘frequently asked questions’, together with a copy of the formal instrument made by Bishop Christopher. We hope that these are useful in setting out more details on this new flexibility. If you have any further questions please contact Charlie Hudson-Beddows on 0207 939 9434 or at Charles.Hudson-Beddows@southwark.anglican.org

With our very best wishes to you all,