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THREE HUNDRED SOUTHWARK CLERGY GATHER FOR REFLECTIONS ON MINISTRY

23 March 2004

The Bishop of Southwark, the Right Reverend Dr Tom Butler, called his clergy together on 16 March at Southwark Cathedral for his annual Clergy Study Day on their ministry and calling.

More than three hundred clergy from across the Diocese of Southwark attended the day, which aimed to deliver a contemporary understanding of the theology and practice of being a priest. Two main speakers each brought a different perspective to the day that provided the basis for some lively discussion amongst the audience.

Canon Dr Anders Bergquist, Vicar of St John's Wood and formerly Vice-Principal of Westcott House, and then Canon Residentary of St Alban's Abbey and Ministry Development Officer for St Alban's Diocese examined the subject from a Catholic viewpoint. Jeremy Fletcher, Canon Residentary and Precentor of York Minster and previously an Incumbent of two parishes in Durham Diocese and Domestic Chaplain to the Bishop of Durham provided a more Evangelical view.

In the afternoon a question and answer session was chaired by Bishop Nick of Croydon. He was joined on the panel by the two speakers, along with Simon Butler - Vicar of Immanuel and St Andrew, Streatham and Ailsa Newby - Vicar of St Anne and All Saints, South Lambeth.

Bishop Tom said of the day: "I am always pleased to have an opportunity to gather together the clergy of the Diocese to reflect together upon important issues relating to our work and ministry. This was an excellent chance to consider again the nature of our calling and I was delighted to see so many people there. I hope that these days can provide a fruitful place of exchange of ideas and fellowship."

Ends.

For further information contact: 

Diocesan Communications Officer
Tel: 020-7939 9400
Mobile: 07831-694021
Fax: 020-7939 9468