26^th June 2024

Please pray for the forthcoming General Synod in York. Together let us call upon the Holy Spirit for the gifts of wisdom, patience, and humility, especially in the discussion of Living in Love and Faith (LLF).

This complex matter has intensified the need for serious consideration of the theological work already being done by the Faith and Order Commission (FAOC) of the House of Bishops and, subsequently, of the implications of that work for doctrine and ecclesiastical law, which are essential to the Church’s mission.

We recognise the toll that this is taking among LGBTQI+ Christians, who are strongly present in so many of the parishes we have been formed in and now serve. We also register and share significant and growing disquiet among our evangelical brothers and sisters, whose vitality enriches our partnership in the gospel.

The Church of England made bold claims for the LLF journey. General Synod has discovered that the LLF timetable, and its possible outcomes, are more complex than had been expected. This is a journey of discernment that is taking longer than anyone could have anticipated. Its outcome cannot be predetermined.

As bishops of The Society, we continue to reflect and take counsel with our clergy who share with us in our ministry as guardians of the sacraments, as teachers of the faith, and as those called to exercise oversight of the people of God committed to our care.

May God, who sent us the light of His Holy Spirit, grant us to have a right judgement in all things and evermore to rejoice in His holy comfort.

Your prayers are asked for all candidates as they prepare for ordination in the coming months. In the context of The Society, your prayers are specifically asked for the candidates listed immediately below. A selection of prayers is available here.

In terms of the composition of the list, either the candidate is registered with The Society, or the parish / parishes in which the candidate serves / will serve is / are registered with The Society, or the ordaining bishop is a bishop of The Society and is acting in that capacity. 

Any additions or corrections to this list of Society-related ordinations for 2024 are to be sent by email to director@forwardinfaith.com as soon as possible, please – thank you.

Ordinations to the Diaconate

Tim Newton at 11am on Sunday 23^rd June at St Nicholas, Arundel by the Bishop of Lewes 

Calum Mullett at 10.30am on Saturday 29^th June at Blackburn Cathedral by the Bishop of Blackburn

Joseph Kochanski at 10.30am on Saturday 29^th June at Blackburn Cathedral by the Bishop of Blackburn

Mark Naylor at 11am on Saturday 29^th June at Ripon Cathedral by the Bishop of Leeds

William Allen at 11am on Saturday 29^th June at St Andrew, Holborn by the Bishop of Fulham

Simon Billington at 11am on Saturday 29^th June at St Andrew, Holborn by the Bishop of Fulham

Graham Hains at 11am on Saturday 29^th June at Southwark Cathedral by the Bishop of Southwark 

Paul Sumner * at 6pm on Saturday 29^th June at Lichfield Cathedral by the Bishop of Lichfield

Ben Jennings at 2pm on Sunday 30^th June at Manchester Cathedral by the Bishop of Beverley

Alex Honey at 6pm on Sunday 30^th June at St Michael, Heavitree by the Bishop of Oswestry

Lee Dunleavy at 7pm on Sunday 30^th June at St George, Nottingham by the Bishop of Beverley

James Bartle at 7pm on Tuesday 2^nd July at Newcastle Cathedral by the Bishop of Beverley

Nicolas Boisson at 7.15pm on Thursday 18^th July at All Saints, Northampton by the Bishop of Fulham

Charles Cowper at 5.00pm on Saturday 7^th September at St Luke’s, Holbrooks, Coventry by the Bishop of Oswestry
Jeffrey Graham at 11am on Saturday 14^th September at Chelmsford Cathedral by the Bishop of Colchester

* Distinctive deacon

Ordinations to the Sacred Priesthood

Richard Keeble at 5pm on Sunday 9^th June at St Saviour, Eastbourne by the Bishop of Lewes 

Ben Scott at 5pm on Sunday 9^th June at St Saviour, Eastbourne by the Bishop of Lewes  

Joseph Harrison at 12pm on Saturday 22^nd June at St John, Cudworth by the Bishop of Wakefield

Michael Scholey at 12pm on Saturday 22^nd June at St John, Cudworth by the Bishop of Wakefield

Kenny Wickens at 3pm on Saturday 22^nd June at St Marychurch, Torquay by the Bishop of Oswestry

Raymond Parkin at 7.30pm on Saturday 29^th June at St Leonard, Doncaster by the Bishop of Beverley

Jean Kouacou at 4pm on Sunday 30^th June at Blackburn Cathedral by the Bishop of Blackburn 

Duncan Hegan at 5pm on Sunday 30^th June at St Andrew, Holborn by the Bishop of Fulham

Roger Turner at 5pm on Sunday 30^th June at St Andrew, Holborn by the Bishop of Fulham

Gareth Gladman at 7pm on Monday 1^st July at St Andrew, Spennymoor by the Bishop of Beverley

Timothy Davies at 7.30pm on Monday 1^st July at Bristol Cathedral by the Bishop of Oswestry

Joshua Pollard at 5pm on Sunday 7^th July at St Alban, South Norwood by the Bishop of Fulham

For more details about this exciting free initiative, email Clare Williams who will send you more details, including the Zoom link for the meeting.

The Right Reverend Norman Banks retired as Bishop of Richborough at Easter after 13 years of distinguished service in the role. We wish Bishop Norman a long and happy retirement, and give thanks to God for his service to the Church as a bishop.

The exercise to appoint Bishop Norman's successor has begun and, if you would like to contribute to that discernment process, then please make any suggestions to the following Church of England email address aaav.office@churchofengland.org by 19th May. Your prayers are asked for those involved in making the appointment.

As we enter Mary's month of May, The Society is delighted to learn of the election of Fr Philip Barnes as the Master of the Guardians, and of the appointment of Fr Ben Eadon as the next Priest Administrator, of the Anglican Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham. We pray for them and their ministry, just as we pray for Fr David Waller as he prepares to enter episcopal orders and become the first Bishop Ordinary of the Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham. Joy to thee O Queen of Heaven. Alleluia!