Channel Islands move to Diocese of Salisbury

Friday 11 October 2019

Church of England churches in the Channel Islands could be overseen by the Bishop of Salisbury, following the breakdown in their relationship with the Bishop of Winchester.

The Archbishop of Canterbury's Commission recently released its final report into the islands and the wider Church of England, with a recommendation that the episcopal oversight be transferred.

Reverend Trevor Willmott was given interim oversight of the parishes back in 2014, before he retired as the Bishop of Dover earlier this year. Following his appointment, it was agreed the Archbishop's Commission would look into a long-term plan.

"We look forward to exploring with the Bishop of Salisbury and his colleagues the development of our mission and ministry in Guernsey, once the Channel Islands deanery synods have accepted the commission's recommendations and legal processes are underway," said the Dean of Guernsey, Tim Barker.

"I am grateful to the commissioners for their report and to Bishop Trevor Willmott and the Diocese of Canterbury for their much-valued support in recent years."

The commission started its work last year and visited both Guernsey and Jersey, meeting with civic and church representatives as well as other stakeholders.

Pictured: Nicholas Holtam (image courtesy of Ash Mills).

"I welcome this report and its recommendations and am grateful to all in the Channel Islands and further afield who have given their time, energy and prayer during the consultation," added the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby.

"The aim of this commission was to identify an environment in which the church and all who worship in the islands can flourish together in Christ and within the wider life of the Church of England. I believe the recommendations of the report can allow for this to happen."

The recommendations now go forward to the General Synod and island authorities for consideration. If they are approved, the earliest the attachment to Salisbury could take formal effect would be autumn next year.

"I warmly welcome the commission's recommendations," said the Bishop of Salisbury, Nicholas Holtam. "Together we will explore the opportunities this new relationship brings. I look forward to getting to know the people of the Channel Islands and, when we agree the next steps, will welcome them into our Diocese.

"We will want a partnership in the Gospel that is good for all of us. A new chapter is opening in our shared life in Christ."

Bishop Trevor Willmott will continue interim oversight until arrangements are finalised.

Pictured top: Mike Keirle, Nicholas Holtam and Tim Barker (image courtesy of Ash Mills).