Now that Archbishop Mark has begun his new ministry in the Archdiocese of Cardiff and the Diocese of Menevia, I want to let you know what happens regarding the governance of our Diocese until a new Bishop is appointed.
On Tuesday of last week, the Chapter of Canons, who in our Diocese also function as the College of Consultors, met and elected me to serve as the Diocesan Administrator whilst we await the appointment of a new bishop.
My role as Diocesan Administrator comes with most of the obligations and authority of a Diocesan Bishop, particularly to ensure the continuity of the day-to-day affairs and operations of the Diocese, and to provide leadership so that the mission of the Gospel may be taken forward effectively at all levels of the Diocese. Because of the temporary nature of the role, this authority comes with some restraints and limitations: namely that nothing of major importance is to be altered and there is to be no significant innovation such as a new diocesan-wide programme or major initiative during the vacancy. The intention is to prevent decisions or actions that might harm or prejudice the rights of the incoming Bishop.
At this stage, we do not know the duration of the vacancy. I am grateful and humbled by the trust that the Chapter has placed in me for this role, particularly as this is a new experience for all of us in the Diocese.
In today’s Gospel we heard that our duty is to spread the good news of the Kingdom of God. This will always be our mission as a community and as individuals. May we all continue to take every opportunity to, as St Paul says, ‘serve one another … in works of love’ and to love our neighbours as ourselves.
Please pray for me and for our Diocese as we go through this period of transition. Please also pray that those responsible for choosing our next Bishop will be open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and choose the right man for our Diocese. I will be praying for you.
May God bless you.