Letter from the Vicarage

July 2010

Dear Friends,

It has been wonderful over the past few months to welcome many parishioners to events at the Vicarage. I reckon that in June around one hundred people passed through for BBQs and receptions. The provision of a vicarage is a great asset — not least for the parish priest! However, the ownership of the vicarage is not straightforward. Many people think that they belong to the Diocese; this is not actually the case. Generally speaking they belong to the benefice recognising the historic investment that the people of the parish have made in the property. The incumbent owns the vicarage in trust for the benefit of the parish. Fortunately it is the responsibility of the Diocese to maintain them. The Church of England is blessed to have some five hundred or so properties like this across Sussex.

This coming autumn churches across Chichester Diocese will be raising money to help provide adequate accommodation for clergy and church workers in Sierra Leone: In our country most vicarages are a little frayed around the edges; they are often old properties and expensive to modernise. However in Sierra Leone the situation is far worse. I went into one vicarage in the eastern part of the country where the kitchen wall had totally collapsed and another where strategic buckets were placed around the bedroom to collect water when it rains. The conditions were quite appalling. All this has a knock on effect. Talented and educated people do not want to work for the church because the accommodation is so bad — especially in the rural areas and yet these are the very people that can bring transformation to poor rural communities through education and health projects. The church and other Christian organisations have an excellent track record in development that many would argue is far more efficient and effective than government.

You can find out more about the Harvest Appeal on the diocesan website or pick up a leaflet at the back of church. As we enjoy the use of our homes and gardens over the summer period it is important that we do not take them for granted. One way of expressing our thanks to God for all that we have is by giving to others so that they too can enjoy their homes.

With all good wishes

Mark

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