Message from the Rt Rev’d Ian Brackley

Posted by Admin on 18 October 2009, 12:00 am

MESSAGE FROM THE RT REV’D IAN BRACKLEY, Commissary for the Bishop of Portsmouth

Dear Friends and Colleagues in Portsmouth Diocese,

I am delighted to have been asked to take on the role of Commissary Bishop for the diocese in the vacancy, as we await the appointment of a new diocesan bishop. All being well, we should know who the new bishop is to be by early in the New Year. Then the appointed person has to prepare for the move to Portsmouth, so it is likely to be a few months later that the new bishop will begin his ministry here. Meanwhile I shall do my best to undertake the various episcopal responsibilities in the diocese.

You will be glad to know that Bishop Kenneth and Sarah have settled happily in Chichester and Kenneth seems in much better health. I know you will want to keep them in your prayers.

I am glad to have the assistance of retired bishops Peter Selby, formerly of Worcester diocese, and Godfrey Ashby, formerly a bishop in South Africa and latterly assisting in Leicester diocese, in taking some of the services. Peter lives on the Isle of Wight and Godfrey in Horndean.

With Bishop Kenneth’s poor health in the last few years it has meant that others have had to carry an extra burden or responsibility and I would like to acknowledge that and thank other members of the senior staff – the Archdeacons, the Dean, the Diocesan Secretary and the Chaplain – for undertaking so much extra work and indeed continuing to do so as they seek to support and guide me.

I look forward to the opportunity to meet and get to know many of you over these next few months, whether that may be at a synod, a Confirmation service, a Cathedral occasion or at some other meeting.

May I ask for your prayers as I undertake this important work and also ask that you continue to pray for those who carry a major responsibility in the work of the diocese? Pray too for the work of the Crown Nomination Commission, six of whose members are your elected representatives. They meet in October and November to carry out the selection and appointment of your new bishop.

I shall be remembering you each day in my prayers. Let us together continue to be faithful in our worship and witness for Christ.

Yours sincerely in the Lord,

Ian, Bishop of Dorking, Commissary for the Bishop of Portsmouth

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