Archaic rules block church continuity

While welcoming the news that the post at the Bridge benefice has now been advertised, I would take issue with Jo Kelly-moore’s letter (Gazette, September 21).

Our previous incumbent, Jonathan Lloyd, held his final service and farewell dinner in the first week of September 2016. The interregnum will continue until the induction of the new incumbent which could be December.

Unless the successful applicant is immediately available, they would have to give three months notice before coming to Bridge. Therefore, our interregnum will have lasted up to 18 months or longer.

In July 2016, when we were advised that Jonathan Lloyd would be leaving, we were promised a full financial presentation because of the financial state of the East Bridge Deanery, the lack of available clergy to fill various positions, the number of clergy due to retire within the next 10 years, and the possibility of amalgamation of the various benefices. The presentation never took place. Further briefings of future problems, including the possible sale of the vicarage, followed.

The Church of England has many rules and regulations. Those governing the departure of an incumbent in a parish include that the position cannot be advertised until after they have left; there is no provision for forward planning. This archaic practice should be scrapped. David Spencer Dering Close, Bridge