Church

Channel Island Deans complete pilgrimage to Salisbury Cathedral

THE two Deans of the Channel Islands embarked on a pilgrimage from Winchester Cathedral to Salisbury Cathedral recently, as a symbol of the islands’ journey to join the diocese of Salisbury.

The Dean of Jersey, Mike Keirle, and the Dean of Guernsey, Tim Barker, are the most senior Anglican clergy in the Channel Islands.

Their walk symbolized the transfer of the oversight of their churches to the Bishop of Salisbury. The Islands were formerly under the care of the Diocese of Winchester.

Salisbury’s links to the Channel Islands go back to the 15th century when, in 1496, Pope Alexander VI endorsed a connection. The first bishop to make a formal visit to the Islands in the modern era was a bishop of Salisbury, in 1818.

Their pilgrimage followed the 27 mile route of the Clarendon Way, through Hampshire and Wiltshire.

The Very Revd Mike Keirle said: “This pilgrimage is a way of saying farewell to the Diocese of Winchester and heading to our welcome in Salisbury. For the people in the islands, we are looking forward to belonging to the diocese of Salisbury and being part of something much bigger. We know our priests and people will be able to flourish in the diocese.”

The Dean of Guernsey, the Very Revd Tim Barker, said: “Our new relationship with the Diocese of Salisbury is important, both for accountability and because we all have much to give and receive, that will enhance and strengthen our common life in Christ.

“The pilgrimage which the two deans are undertaking is a recognition that there is much for which we give thanks in the long relationship with the Diocese of Winchester and its bishops, and that the two bailiwicks are looking forward to continuing our journey together with the Bishop of Salisbury and the wider diocesan community.”

Speaking ahead of the service, the Bishop of Salisbury, the Very Revd Stephen Lake, welcomed them into the Cathedral. He said: “The addition of the parishes of the Channels Islands has grown the diocese by 13%. We are very pleased to be able to join with them, and to work with them, to serve the needs of our communities, together.”

The two Deans were made canons of Salisbury Cathedral during Evensong on Thursday, 13th November, which was conducted by The Right Rev Stephen Lake, Bishop of Salisbury. During the service, both Deans took their respective stalls in the Cathedral Quire, Faringdon (Jersey) and Grantham Australis (Guernsey).

The service was attended by clergy from the Islands’ former Diocese, Winchester, and by civic representatives and clergy from the Channel Islands, including The Lieutenant-Governor of the Bailiwick of Guernsey, Lt Gen Richard Cripwell and Mrs Louise Cripwell, and His Excellency Vice Admiral Kerry Kyd CBE, Lieutenant-Governor of Jersey and Dr Karen Kyd.

The Very Revd Stephen Lake added: “This is an important symbolic moment, giving visual identity to the new and happy relationship between the diocese and the Bailiwicks, set within the cathedral church we share. Mike and Tim are already valued colleagues, and it was a pleasure putting them in their place.”

The Dean of Salisbury, The Very Revd Nicholas Papadopulos said: “I look forward to building on the new relationship between the two Deaneries and the Cathedral now that they have become part of the extended family of senior clergy and laity. We already have a strong relationship with both islands and this will cement it further.”

The Deans of Jersey (left) and Guernsey (right) were installed as non-residentiary canons into Salisbury Cathedral’s College of Canons Credit: Finbarr Webster

Alternative carol service in support of Holy Land peace

FROM Advent to Christmas: An Alternative Carol Service will be held by Sarum Concern for Israel/Palestine at the United Reformed Church, Salisbury on Tuesday, 6th December.

The evening follows on naturally from Travellers Tales that was held in the summer and that featured talks from Alison Orman and Nick Papadopulos, the Dean of Salisbury, about their respective journeys through the Holy Land around Easter time.

Established in 2008, Sarum Concern for Israel/Palestine is an informal network of people in and around Salisbury, with or without a religious affiliation, working for peace with justice and reconciliation in Israel and Palestine.

The service will be led by Canon Jonathan Herbert, from Hilfield Friary, with Revd Hilary Bond and Revd Nicky Davies (formerly of Church House) and will feature special messages from Bethlehem.

The event starts at 6pm. A selection of Palestinian refreshments will be available on the night. https://www.sarumconcern.org