Dear Friends

I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God Ephesians 3: 17-19

You will have seen the announcement from +Tim that came out earlier today and I am aware that this will have raised further questions for you, so I wanted to write to you as soon as possible. +Tim remains the Bishop of Winchester until February 2022 but will continue to hand over responsibility to others. A recently retired diocesan bishop will be supporting the diocese during this time and will work with +David and me to ensure that parishes and benefices are supported and the work of the diocese continues as normal.

Bishop’s Council is due to meet on Monday evening and will begin to map out how concerns around governance can be followed up. A meeting of members of the Diocesan Synod will take place on Sept 2nd and will offer the opportunity for existing members, as well as new ones, to reflect on how to move forward. Diocesan staff continue in their roles in support the work of mission and ministry. This week, we have held some Zoom gatherings to offer a face-to-face opportunity to listen to one another and we will put more in the diary over the coming days and weeks.

This remains a time of uncertainty for us all and I want to thank you so much for what you are doing to support our parishes and local communities. Across the diocese the Light of Christ continues to shine as we share his love with one another and offer hope to all those in need. Throughout the pandemic, and our own diocesan challenges, you have served faithfully and sacrificially and my huge thanks to you all. Thank you also for your prayers for our diocese and let’s continue to support one another in this way. I hope you are all able to take time off this summer and enjoy some well-earned rest.

With love and prayers

+Debbie

Bishop Debbie

Andrew Robinson, Diocesan Chief Executive 

Catherine Ogle, Dean of Winchester  

Richard Brand, Archdeacon of Winchester 

Mark Collinson, Director of Ministry

Mat Phipps, Bishop’s Chaplain