National clergy shortage - Ewelme could lose its rector
If plans drawn up to cope with the national shortage of clergy are implemented, our current Rector, whose benefice comprises not only Ewelme but also Brightwell Baldwin and Cuxham with Easington, will not be replaced when he retires, and Ewelme will become the responsibility of the Vicar of Benson. This was the topic of a very well-attended Open Meeting in Ewelme Church on 8th October, at which Tessa Mogg (a member of the Deanery Pastoral Committee and of Brightwell Baldwin Church) gave a highly informative account of the background to the plans. Ewelme News readers may find it useful to have a summary of the key points.
In 1998 the Deanery (group of 43 local parishes) to which Ewelme belongs was set the objective of reducing its number of full-time stipendiary (paid) clergy by three.
In 2001 the Deanery Synod approved a Pastoral Plan identifying the Rector of Ewelme as one of the three posts to be cut, but only on retirement of the present incumbent.
According to the Plan, Ewelme and Brightwell Baldwin would become the responsibility of the Vicar of Benson; Cuxham with Easington would become the responsibility of the Vicar of Chalgrove.
The main criterion used for determining the posts to be cut was population. Ewelme is the only benefice in the Deanery with a population of under 1,000.
Our Rector’s benefice – with a population of about 1,000 adults – is the smallest in the Deanery.
Regular services -- as well as baptisms, weddings and funerals -- would continue to be held in Ewelme Church.
Concerns
Concerns have been expressed about various aspects of the Plan, including the following:
Although the population of Ewelme is relatively small, the Rector carries significant additional responsibililties towards the Almshouse and the School, and as guardian of a church that attracts countless visitors from all over the world.
Could neighbouring clergy, who are already overstretched, cope with the additional workload?
Losing our own Rector would mean a decline in the pastoral care available to all villagers.
Ewelme School is anxious not to lose the high level of support that the Rector has provided.
Ewelme Church (together with the Almshouse and School) is felt to be of such historical and artistic importance that it deserves a resident clergyman.
If the Rectory were to be sold, it is most unlikely that the Church of England could ever buy it back.
Possible Compromise
A possible compromise has been suggested: to replace the Rector's post by a so-called "House-for-Duty" post, whereby the Church of England provides a clergyman with a house in return for two days' work in the parish. It is also conceivable that the Ewelme Almshouse Trust might be able to help with the funding of a resident clergyman in Ewelme. These ideas are merely possibilities at this stage, but negotiations are underway.
We will keep you informed of any developments.
Martin Spence, Catherine Hare (Churchwardens)