The current consultation about the possible reunification of the dioceses of Leeds, Middlesbrough and Hallam is coming to a close. The consultation process led by Bishop Marcus Stock has been transparent and all the People of God of Hallam have been offered opportunity to respond, either on-line, in meetings in their parish, or in larger or focused consultation meetings with Bishop Marcus. There was an invited meeting of parish priests and representatives from half of the diocese of Hallam held on Friday 22 May. It was a good example of the dynamic use of the synodal method to hold Conversations in the Spirit among the 74 people sat at round tables of about 10 people making use of the kind hospitality of All Saints School. As Bishop Marcus noted, the meeting arrangements fortuitously mirrored that of the Rome Synod on Synodality, which he had had the privilege to attend. It was clear also that what he learned from having twice attended on behalf of the Bishops’ Conference enabled him to experience and value the synodal method, and confidently adapt it as appropriate to the context. The opening phase of prayer, scripture and reflection time was followed by periods of deep listening, respectful exchanges and thoughtful offerings. Ideas were gathered and will form part of Bishop Marcus’ deliberations in the report he will send to Pope Leo to consider the future of the diocese. There is still time to give your view as the on-line consultation deadline has been extended to 19 June and can be found at: https://forms.office.com/e/fDJRiRxJ25
The structure of the consultation, the servant-leadership role of the bishop and the decision-making responsibility were made clear as part of the process. Some questions were raised which Bishop Marcus was able to give an immediate response to. For example, if we are to re-unify (and ‘reunification’ rather than the word ‘merger’, with it’s corporate overtones was preferred), would we get to keep our Cathedral? Yes, said Bishop Marcus, pointing out that the civic relationships and structures built up in the diocese are valued and need to be retained. Other points raised were about the opportunities that might be available from the wider resources of the combined dioceses, the opportunity for improved communication, lay involvement and learning from and respecting the richness provided by minority groups. There were also anxieties expressed about the emotional attachment to the identity of Hallam and what would be lost, not getting to see the bishop much, small parishes getting overlooked and the worry about potential rivalry between the dioceses. Giving consideration to the impact of any changes to the well-being of all was acknowledged by Bishop Marcus as important. But as was wisely pointed out by one speaker from the floor, any challenge can also be seen as an opportunity (and an opportunity a challenge!). It was a warm, deeply reflective meeting, which participants said they found positive and reassuring. It appeared that the priests of the diocese and the People of God cooperated with the Holy Spirit to respond in faith with generosity and good will. Fionnuala Frances
