Reorganisation looms for Church of England

Monday, 2nd February 2009
By Judy West

The structures of the Church of England are set to be reviewed in an operation that could see dioceses merge.

Further provisions of the Dioceses, Pastoral and Mission Measure 2007 came into force on 1 February. The Measure makes it a duty of the Dioceses Commission to review the provincial and diocesan structure of the Church of England, including the size, boundaries and number of provinces and dioceses, and arrangements for episcopal ministry. It will also have the power to draw up reorganization schemes.

The Commission, chaired by Dr Priscilla Chadwick, consulted diocesan bishops as to what its priorities should be and drew up an initial work programme in the light of comments and suggestions. the rest