Copies of a document entitled 'Pastoral Re-Organisation in the Diocese of Plymouth - Principles, Strategy and Framework' have been sent to all parishes in the diocese for wide circulation.

The aim of the document is to offer one step in developing parish structures for today. In addressing that aspect of the life of the diocese, it is hoped that it will be an encouragement to develop other areas of vision and practice in the mission of the Church. It can do this by providing firm points of reference for a discussion on local reorganisation, ensuring that by listening to each other, we flourish and grow as communions of life and love.

Bishop Christopher writes: "[The document]... offers the opportunity to reflect on what it means to be Church at this time in history and in this particular culture and society. It is a means to help us to respond to the challenges that come with that. It gives some background to the current situation, some principles to help us determine pastoral strategy in the light of the complex state of the diocese today and an outline plan for developing pastoral structures in the parishes.

"This Framework document is essential a 'tool' to help us all to recognise our parishes as places where the mission of the kingdom is lived out, and to make that living out fruitful."

The full text of the document can be read by clicking on the link below.