wfn.org | ACNS - Church of England Denies Plans to Abolish Dioceses

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>]

ACNS 3013 - ENGLAND - 6 June 2002

Church denies plans to abolish dioceses

The Church of England has categorically denied that there are any plans to
abolish a number of its dioceses.

Contrary to the suggestion in today's Times newspaper, the Church has no
plans to abolish the dioceses of Bradford, Portsmouth and Leicester, and no
talks that might result in such plans are under way. The process of
selecting the next Bishop of Bradford is well under way, the Diocese of
Portsmouth continues to celebrate its 75th anniversary and the Diocese of
Leicester remains firmly established.

"There are no plans, there are no talks: this is not on the table," said a
church spokesman.

The Dioceses Measure provides for the creation, abolition or alteration of
dioceses, the creation or revival of suffragan bishoprics, the designation
of duties and territories to suffragan bishops and the sharing of aspects of
administration between dioceses.

It is wrong to assume that the current review of the Measure is purely aimed
at the abolition of dioceses. It may, however, simplify putting into effect
the creative collaboration that many dioceses are discussing to reduce
administrative costs.

While savings are being made at both national and diocesan level in the
Church of England, income continues to increase significantly above
inflation. Pensions are an important aspect of clergy conditions of service
and amount to just under one-sixth of the Church's annual income.

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