Update from Alison Myers – Lordsbridge lead minister
Like so many organisations, the diocese of Ely is facing financial challenges and is forecasting a deficit for 2020 and 2021 as a result of the pandemic. Parishes and benefices across the diocese will struggle to make all of their parish share, and income on investments is down – this income supports diocesan costs and makes possible the now small subsidy on ministry share that Lordsbridge still enjoys.
Many diocesan staff have been furloughed over the last weeks and other central cost cutting measures are being explored. However, in addition to this, the Bishop’s Council reluctantly agreed last week that no new clergy appointments should be made for the time being. This means that recruitment for the Lordsbridge Team Vicar post has been put on hold.
We will shortly be in discussions with Archdeacon Alex about the provision of interim support from the central diocesan team during this unexpectedly extended period of vacancy. And we hope and pray that we will be able to resume the recruitment process sooner than we expect. Please do hold the most affected parishes and ministry teams in your prayers.