The Bishop of Liverpool will appoint Rev Canon Emma Williams to be the next Chair of the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC). Emma, who is Area Dean of West Derby Deanery and Vicar at St Anne Stanley, will take up the role early in the New Year succeeding Rev Steve Parish.
The DAC is an important part of diocesan life helping us make sure our buildings are fit for mission in the 21st century whilst respecting their important heritage and role in their local communities. Effectively working as the planning function for a diocese the DAC maintains good order. Yet it has to be alive to the fact we are managing spaces for worship and mission and not simply heritage. This creates an immense responsibility on the committee of representatives and architectural experts.
Bishop Paul said “Emma’s an excellent appointment. She has a passion for the good use of our church buildings and a strong heart for mission. She makes an ideal successor for Steve and will build on his distinguished ministry in this role and on the work and achievements of the DAC during his time. I pray for them both at this time of transition as I pray for the work of the DAC is supporting the mission of our diocese.”
Helter Skelter or a twisted disgrace - Emma writes about her view and experiences
Helter Skelter or a twisted disgrace? This could have been a headline from the summer’s controversy in Norwich Cathedral, and it raises an interesting debate. How does Mission and outreach correspond with questions of heritage and decorum? Here we say we want to build a bigger Church to make a bigger difference With this debate and many, many more, why on earth would I want to stick my head above the parapet and become the new chair of D.A.C?
Growing up in Somerset and working across the Diocese of Bath & Wells meant that I have experienced and led worship in all its guises in every type of building (& none) you can imagine. I have always had an interest in buildings, both old and new, and have enjoyed many holidays exploring cities and ancient sites discovering more about them.
Trying to find the balance between ‘moving with the times’ and holding onto ‘tradition’ in its various forms is a challenge that I am looking forward to and one which I pray we may find answers to together so that more people may know Jesus and there be more justice in the world.
In Him,
Emma
About the DAC
Find out more about the work of the DAC here
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