The Bishop of London sent out the following announcement today:
Dear Colleagues,
Acting Bishop of Stepney
The Bishop of Willesden has agreed to take on the role of Acting Bishop of Stepney with effect from July 7th. His commission will be for an initial period of 6 months to permit the usual consultations to take place to identify a suitable successor to Bishop Stephen Oliver. I intend to follow the process which was followed in the Kensington appointment.
Bishop Pete will take on all the normal functions of the Bishop of Stepney including appointments and clergy review. He will continue to be assisted by the Area Deans. I am very grateful for the way in which the three Area Deans equipped with commissions as acting archdeacons have carried the heat and burden of the day over the past months. They have expressed themselves prepared to carry on in this role but the need for greater day-to-day episcopal support has become increasingly obvious.
The Venerable Rachel Treweek has generously agreed to take charge of the administration of the Willesden Area, although Bishop Pete will still be available to clergy who wish to see him and he will continue to be involved in Ministerial Development Reviews. Additional support for the Archdeacon is being organised and more precise details will be available before July 7th.
The Bishop of Willesden’s PA will still be responsible for his diary but Stepney business should normally be channelled either through Daniel Gerrans (Telephone 020 89812323, e-mail: bishop.stepney (Email: bishop.stepney [at] london.anglican.org)) or through Jenny Harding (Telephone 020 7353 3544, e-mail jenny.harding (Email: jenny.harding [at] london.anglican.org)).
The Stepney Area will be celebrating on July 6th what has been achieved over the past seven years in the partnership with Bishop Stephen and Archdeacon Lyle. I have requested Bishop Pete’s assistance because the Area deserves the episcopal care and attention which it has enjoyed under Bishop Stephen.
At the same time I wanted to ensure that there was some breathing space for the Area and Diocese to assess the missionary needs of the Stepney Area over the next few years.
Would you please continue to pray for all those involved in this transitional phase?
With thanks for our partnership in the Gospel
The Rt Revd and Rt Hon Richard Chartres KCVO DD FSA
