Learn About Diocese?

EAST TRENT CHURCHES
Besthorpe, Clifton, Collingham,
Girton, Harby, Holme, Langford, South Scarle, Thorney, Winthorpe

Learn About Diocese

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All you need to know about a Diocese!

A Diocese
by Bishop Patrick Harris

A Diocese is basically a geographical area – often a County or Counties in this country – that form an administrative unit of the Church. Examples are: Derby, Leicester, Lincoln, and Southwell (Nottinghamshire).

Each Diocese has a Diocesan Bishop at its head, who is:

§ The strategic leader

§ The focus of unity through his authorisation of ministry and ministers.

§ The administrator of discipline.

§ The guardian of the truth by ensuring the teaching of godly and orthodox doctrine.

§ The pastor of the pastors and an example in all areas of priestly and diaconate ministry.

§ The representative of the world-wide Church and particularly the Anglican Communion to which each parish belongs.

The significance of the Diocesan Bishop’s ministry in the Diocese is emphasised by his “enthronement” on the cathedra (Bishop’s throne) in his cathedral at the commencement of his episcopate, and by the fact that he is prayed for specifically whenever the parish meets to celebrate the liturgy.

Most people view the parish as the basic unit of the church, and that of course is where the real work of practical ministry is carried out. However, the Church of England is not just a number of independent local churches. Their unity and interdependence is assured by belonging to a Diocese. And there can be no ministry in the parish unless the bishop ordains men and women to the diaconate and priesthood and then authorises or licenses them for ministry in a particular setting.

The Diocese needs specialists, who can ensure that there is efficient administration and is required by Canon Law to have the following officers:

· Diocesan Registrar (Solicitor) to ensure that all documentation is proper and legal.

· Diocesan Chancellor (Judge or Barrister) to adjudicate in matters of dispute.

· Diocesan Secretary to ensure the efficient daily administration of the finances, buildings and property of the Diocese.

· Diocesan Director of Education.

The County of Nottingham was originally a part of the Archdiocese of York. But from the beginning, its significance caused Archbishops to build not only a Minster in Southwell but also a personal dwelling of some status (a Palace) with attendant deer parks. The Diocese of Southwell was formed in 1884 and originally included Derbyshire. Derby became a separate Diocese in 1927.

Have a closer look at our diocesan cathedral, Southwell Minster

Our Priest in Charge of East Trent Churches & the Editorial Team thank our 93,712 page-visitors for supporting us up to beginning of September, 2010

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This site was last updated on 04 September 2010.

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