Nearly 19 years ago, Bishop Peter, in the early stages of his long and fruitful ministry in this Diocese, opened the way for parishes to seek permission to admit baptised children to Holy Communion before Confirmation.
The decision to allow parishes to seek permission followed the consideration of a diocesan working group, debates at Diocesan Synod, and discussion in the Church of England more widely.
The Diocese of Chester is now carrying out a review of this practice. A Review Group has been formed to carry out this task and to consult with people and parishes from all corners of the diocese.
Chair of the Review Group, the Revd Alison Harris, is hoping parishes far and wide can share their experiences of the practice. She says: “The Review Group is very keen to hear about parishes’ experience related to this practice, whether this is something that you do already, or whether you intentionally don’t do it, or even whether you didn’t realise it was even a possibility.”
Questionnaires are being created and will be distributed via the E-Bulletin in due course to paint a full picture of the practice in the Diocese of Chester.
Alison says: “The questionnaire will be circulated soon, but in the meantime, we would welcome informal conversations with parishes, by email or in person, about their experiences.”
If you would like to contact the Review Group, please email the Chair, Alison Harris, or one of the other members of the group.
The Review Group includes:
Revd Alison Harris (Chair and retired priest)
Revd Lyn Weston (Director of Mission)
Jonny Masters (Youth, Children, and Families Missioner)
Revd Andy Stinson (Diocesan Worship Adviser)
Revd Michael Mills (Parish Priest)
Chris Penn (Director of Education)
Revd Jane Brooke (Vice Dean and Canon Missioner at Chester Cathedral)
Jenny McIlveen (Responsibility for developing Christian distinctiveness in church schools)