Diocese of Oxford

Timeline of the vacancy

Timetable of Vacancy to date 

24.5.21 Bishop accepted the resignation of Rev Paul Boddam-Whetham

30.6.21 Archdeacon Meeting with Churchwardens. Also present: Area Dean, Lay Chair, Parish Development Advisor, Discipleship Enabler Children and Young People

5.8.21 Rev Paul Boddam-Whetham left

20.9.21 Vacancy officially started.

Formal ‘Notice of Vacancy’ letter received by the PCC Secretary from Darren Oliver, the Registrar of the Diocese which advises that the new minister is to be an Incumbent (Rector) not a priest in Charge

We have 6 months (which takes us to March 2022) to hold the Section 11 meeting, at which the PCC must approve the final version of the Parish Profile, and to approve two representatives of the PCC for the shortlisting committee and interviewing panel.

18.11.21 Section 11 meeting / PCC meeting

Following this meeting the PCC secretary must complete Form 34 for the Registrar of the Diocese which gives notice that the Section 11 meeting has taken place, giving the names/addresses of the appointed representatives, and includes the Parish Profile.  The PCC must decide whether to request that the presenting Patron should consider advertising the vacancy. The advertisement will be written in the light of the Parish/Benefice profile in consultation with the Patron and Bishop/Archdeacon.

Within the six months of the Vacancy Process, the PCC have an option to request and hold a section 12 meeting with the Patron (Revd. Dr. Brian Griffiths) and the Bishop. The request to the PCC to have a Section 12 meeting can also come from the Patron & Bishop: in both cases the PCC secretary must convene a special meeting.

The “Section 12” Meeting: The purpose of this meeting is to set the scene for all that follows in the appointment process. All members of PCCs are most welcome to attend. The agenda is drawn up by the Bishop’s Office.