rural life
If you were to hear the words ‘rural life’, you may jump to the conclusion that they are totally to do with farming. That assumption is of course, to some extent true, but it is not the whole story. Rural life, as the Diocese sees it encompasses both farming and the preservation of rural communities, be they large or small. Additionally, I shall be working with clergy and lay to support them in their various communities to whom they minister.
I believe that we as a Church are called to address issues such as the provision of affordable housing and the disappearance of Schools, Post Offices, Shops, Pubs, Churches and Medical facilities. I see part of my role to try and reverse this declining trend. There is also the modern psyche that dictates that it is better to live in solitary mode, rather than be part of a community. With the decline of communities, one has to ask the question, ‘How far into decline does a community have to go before it becomes non viable?’
Another part of my role is to help parishes develop the community use of their church buildings, where appropriate, and to give advice on the future requirements of rural churches in light of growth or decline. This is particularly prevalent where the village church is, for want of better terminology, the only ‘community facility’.
I am also looking forward to being involved in the eight livestock markets within the Diocese. I hope that the farming community will view me as a friend, with whom they can relate.
If you are interested in Rural Life, please watch this space. I shall be keeping you up to date with what is happening around the whole Diocese. Please feel free to contact me directly if I can be of assistance to you or your parish.