Church Commissioners are standing by their decision to end the tradition of bishops of Bath and Wells living in their moated palace, sparking more concern for the long-term future of the building, with some fearing it could be sold off.
The original decision dismayed senior clergy and laity alike, and was raised in the House of Commons by Wells MP Tessa Munt who presented a petition calling for a pause and more consultation with the General Synod earlier this month.
The commissioners discussed the issue on Tuesday, and there was silence from Church House in Westminster for a day. Then yesterday the commissioners issued a statement confirming their decision that bishops need more privacy at home, although it was not written in such plain English.
They "reiterated their understanding that the ministry of the new bishop should not be encumbered or restricted by being housed in a place with a high level of public access which is guaranteed and even encouraged in relation to which he might be expected to fulfil a significant role".
The 800-year-old palace and gardens at Wells is open to the public and run by a charitable trust. Last year it received a record 61,100 visitors, but the bishop occupies a modest flat in a private area.
Bemused locals say once visitors leave in late afternoon and the gate near the drawbridge is closed a bishop has more privacy than any of his parish clergy. But they say the fact that it is his home is important in the life of the city and diocese.
Those who object to the decision were outraged the commissioners did not consult over the issue, least of all with the incoming bishop the Rt Rev Peter Hancock, who was not consulted by the commissioners before their decision.
The commissioners will now formally inform the Bishop's Council which will hold a special meeting to consider it. That meeting must be held within 28 days of receiving the notice.
In their latest statement the commissioners "acknowledged the strong feelings that the decision had aroused within the diocese. It was noted that there were also voices of support for the decision."
They added that reference was made to the statement of needs for the new bishop of Bath and Wells which recommended that "the bishop will need to develop a new, and less demanding, relationship with the Palace Trust, in order to be able to focus better on the life of the wider diocese".
The commissioners also reiterated their support for the bishop's working arrangements and the shared offices of the Bishop of Bath and Wells and the Bishop of Taunton in the north wing of the palace and for the Bishop's Chapel which will continue to be used for daily prayer, a weekly staff Eucharist, and other services.
They will now consult on alternative uses for the bishop's apartment in the palace which would "be consonant with the continued rhythm of work and worship at the heart of the palace."
The Diocese of Bath and Wells said it was "disappointed to be told of this decision. We regret the Church Commissioners' unwillingness to respond to our request to discuss the issue further with them, before the Board of Governors met on Tuesday, February 25.
"The Diocese of Bath and Wells remains focused on offering a warm welcome to Bishop Peter Hancock and his wife Jane, and we regret this unnecessary delay in resolving the matter of their housing."
Rev Richard Lewis, Dean Emeritus, said: "I believe it is a misguided decision based on inadequate understanding of both the history and place of the palace in the life of the Church in the diocese, in Wells and of the city of Wells.
"I think the Church Commissioners at a stroke from the high ground inside the M25 have done what Cromwell in the 17th century signally failed to do, to remove the bishop from the palace.
"Well done Church Commissioners. They have little idea or understanding of what the effect of this will be on the church or the city and diocese. The bishop lives in a modest flat in the north wing. Many of us put forward arguments to reverse the decision. There will be sorrow.
"Looking at the public accounts from the Charity Commission the palace is on a knife edge. We know this from the cathedral. We all live hand-to-mouth.
"If it is not successful, what is the thinking? The Church Commissioners will still be responsible, and then one's imagination gets very bleak. Will it be sold and what will new owners do with it?"
The Commissioners have said there are no plans to sell the building.
The Palace Trust had described the original decision as "hasty" and said it was willing to discuss any needs for more privacy.
Countering the fear that the bishop would become too involved in the palace, volunteer steward Rosie Inge said: "A bishop is grown-up enough to make his own decisions about how involved he is."
The Church Commissioners are responsible for overseeing the Church's historic properties and answer to the General Synod, Parliament and Charity Commission.
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