On 24 July, the Secretary to the Truro Diocesan Mission and Pastoral Committee, issued the snappily-titled “Proposals affecting the benefices of the Kerrier deanery – Constantine; Helston and Wendron; Meneage; Mullion and Cury with Gunwalloe; St Keverne, St Ruan with St Grade and Landewednack; and The United Benefice of West Kerrier – in the diocese of Truro” – a draft Pastoral Scheme in respect of pastoral proposals affecting these benefices.

The Summary of the Main Provisions of the Draft Scheme[1] provides for the union of the six benefices of Constantine; Helston and Wendron; Meneage; Mullion and Cury with Gunwalloe; St Keverne, St Ruan with St Grade and Landewednack; and the United Benefice of West Kerrier (their constituent parishes to remain distinct) in the diocese of Truro and for the establishment of a team ministry for the new benefice of Kerrier. It also provides for the cure of souls in the new benefice to be shared by a team rector and one team vicar, for their appointment, the housing arrangement for the team vicar and for the future patronage arrangements for the new benefice.

The Scheme has been introduced through the Mission and Pastoral Measure 2011; there is further information about the procedure and Code of Practice and in the leaflet Your Views Count, (2019).

The Religion News Centre reports that a public consultation is has been initiated[2] for the Kerrier Deanery, which stretches down to The Lizard. Currently the Deanery has six clergy positions and, historically, each benefice had its own vicar or rector. In order to progress, the proposed reorganization requires the approval of the Church Commissioners, who are inviting public feedback with a deadline of 15 September. The plan has met resistance from the Save the Parish movement, which has outlined general advice for those who oppose pastoral schemes[3]. Its plan of action includes uniting the Parish Council, bringing together the whole community not just those who attend church every Sunday, setting up a “Friends” group, and aiming for a large number of objections.

[1] The Summary is not part of the scheme.

[2] Plan in Cornwall to replace six clergy with two, over 23 churches, meets resistance, [scroll down].

[3] Ten ways to resist parish reorganization.