The latest deanery to have been deliberating the next stages of the Fit for Mission journey is Toxteth and Wavertree who have announced the result of PCC voting. This has led to 9 parishes deciding to go to the next stages creating a viable cohort to move forward. Those churches will start detailed discussions about this over the next year to eighteen months
As in other deaneries, a transition team will be formed and we are pleased that Revd Keith Hitchman has accepted the role of change leader. Keith will chair the Navigation team and the Clergy Leadership team as the cohort moves forward on their collaboration journey.
The following PCCs decided to go forward with the Fit for Mission journey:
- Dingle St Gabriel & St Cleopas
- St James in the City
- St Luke in the City
- Toxteth Park Christ Church
- Toxteth St. Bedes with St Clements
- Toxteth St Margaret
- Wavertree Holy Trinity
- Wavertree St Bridget & St Thomas
- Wavertree St Mary
Meanwhile, these churches decided to not go forward with the Fit for Mission journey. They remain fully committed to the mission and ministry of Toxteth and Wavertree deanery:
- Toxteth Park St Michael in the Hamlet & St Andrew
- Toxteth St Agnes & St Pancras
- Toxteth St Philemon
The Deanery Synod of Toxteth & Wavertree, which meets on 22nd April, will be asked to affirm these worshipping communities as they move forward together and encourage every part of the deanery to continue in fellowship and collaboration
Area Dean, Revd Robert Clack said “Last week 9 out of the 12 parishes in our deanery chose to take the next step on the FFM journey. The discernment process has shown deep engagement and an intelligence of questioning that honours the PCC’s of the deanery. We have all at certain points expressed doubt but together we have found excitement and enthusiasm to walk this journey”.
Through our love of God and in the knowledge that working together for change and sharing our resources and expertise is a mature approach to a healthy future. We have no intention of losing our individualities, nor our own expressions of worship and liturgical practice but we are ready to try to be the Body of Christ working to express that love of God in our place and time”.
Welcoming the decision Bishop John said “I would like to thank all those involved in the discernment process in Toxteth and Wavertree. There is certainly strong support amongst parishes for continuing the fit-for-mission journey. However, it is quite clear that their remains a great deal to be considered as they journey together. I still believe that Fit for Mission is the best way for us to secure a Christian presence in every community however I respect those who remain outside the conversation. I believe that Toxteth and Wavertree deanery will develop over the coming months and years as they seek to build God’s kingdom through mutual support and collaboration.”