Shrewsbury Diocese: key lay staff face redundancy

Joan Sharples

The position of Justice, Peace and Social Responsibility co-ordinator is one of a number of redundancies being considered by Shrewsbury Diocese.

Justice, Peace and Social Responsibility co-ordinator for more than 15 years, Joan Sharples was recently informed that a compulsory redundancy process had been initiated concerning her position.

The coordinators for Marriage and Family Life and the diocesan Youth Service have also been told their posts are likely to be ended. The final decision will be taken by the diocesan trustees.

Columban Justice Peace team worker Ellen Teague said: “I’ve worked with Joan on a number of occasions in Shrewsbury as part of the National Justice and Peace Network (NJPN). She is a very dedicated and talented worker for justice and peace. She would be a big loss to the work, particularly at these difficult times when the need to articulate the cause of justice is more pressing than ever,” said Mrs Teague, who urged that the Bishop of Shrewsbury reconsider if redundancy really is being pursued as an option.

The NJPN are writing to the Bishop to express their concerns over the move.

A spokesman for the Diocese of Shrewsbury said: “It is with regret the Diocese of Shrewsbury finds itself in a position where it has to consider a small number of redundancies among its employees.

“The proposals are at an early consultation stage and no decisions have been taken as yet. This is very much an internal matter.”