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Brentwood: Bishop adopts new consultative approach


Bishop Alan Williams

Bishop Alan Williams

Bishop Alan Williams is demonstrating his commitment to a consultative approach in the Diocese of Brentwood with the establishment of a Cathedral Chapter of Canons who will take on the functions of the College of Consultors. He has also appointed two women religious to the Bishop's Council: Sr Margaret Soper OSU has been appointed Vicar for Consecrated Life in addition to Sr Josephine Canny OA, and both will be members of the Council.

Bishop Alan said: "Since my appointment as Bishop I have reflected on how best to consult effectively with the clergy and laity of the diocese. Most recently Deans have made up the membership of the College of Consultors; however some uncertainties have then arisen following inevitable moves or retirements." This move, he hopes, will give more stability.

Canons Patrick Sammon, Paul Bruxby, Peter Connor, Mgr Canon Kevin Hale, Canons John McGrath, Anthony McKentey, Martin O'Connor, Brian O'Shea and William Young are parish priests in Wanstead, Barkingside, Clacton, Leigh on Sea, Billericay, Colchester, Chadwell Heath, Grays and Barking, respectively. Canon Patrick Sammon will head the Chapter as Provost. The Canons will be installed at a Mass this evening (11 February) in Brentwood Cathedral.

"Every bishop is required to have a College of Consultors and for me the advantage of having a Chapter of Canons for that purpose is that they provide a semi-permanent body of wisdom and holiness in the diocese," said Bishop Alan. The Canons, who are appointed for five years, are all senior clergy who know the diocese well. "I intend to meet them regularly," added the Bishop.

The move is a sign that Bishop Alan intends to adopt a consultative approach in the diocese. "I am very much in favour of collaboration with both clergy and laity and I hope to move forward with plans to consult the laity this year," he said. "I want to invite people to discern, together and with me, a way of going forward as Catholic Christians. That discernment involves respectful listening, sharing information, being in tune with the issues and needs of our community and a willingness to be open to God's will."

He added: "In all that we do we need to work closely with the laity of the Diocese. Following the Synod on the Vocation and Mission of the Laity, Pope Saint John Paul II talked of the need to develop 'dialogue and discernment... consultation and collaboration with the lay faithful, women and men'. This remains an invitation and a challenge in our diocesan journey together."

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