More than a fifth of the Church of England's bishops could face the axe under new proposals being drawn up by its leaders.
Secret documents discovered by The Daily Telegraph reveal that the Church Commissioners - the financial wing of the Church of England - are considering reducing traditional funding for the hierarchy.
The proposals come in the wake of criticism that the Church is top heavy and the bishops too costly, while congregations are shrinking and parishes are strapped for cash.
But they are likely to anger some bishops, who feel they are already overstretched and undervalued. Read more
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Thursday, 27 December 2007
One in five C of E bishops faces sack
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1 comment:
Secret documents, the press just love them.
No one need be sacked. This goal, if it exists will probably be achieved within 5 years by retirement.
At the the quoted figures they are a bargain.
If posts must be reduced it would be preferable to do it at the archdeacon level. This would mean getting the bishops out into the parishes. Bishops do have a theologically based authority whereas archdeacons are a pragmatic half way house.
As there are now many congregations without full time clergy and some with none, this creates a vital role for bishops.
David Hey
West Yorkshire
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