A report of the visit of the Archdeacon on 9th May
The appointment of a vicar is, at the best of times, a complex and antiquated process. In our own case it is further complicated by the presence of a Patron in the person of the Rev. Robin Rogers of St. Mary’s, Hampton. In his hands, not the Bishop’s, is the initial selelction of suitable candidates for presentation to the churchwardens. In the last resort - choice of priest - and not ours - may prevail.

It was therefore not without some misgivings that the P.C.C. welcomed Timothy Raphael, the Archdeccon of Middlesex and the Bishop’s representative, to discuss the impending interregnum on the evening of 9th May.

The Archdeacon first laid down the responsibilities of the churchwardens in the selection procedure. They act on behalf of the P.C.C. in the appointment of a new priest and may claim the right to turn down a candidate presented to them by the Patron by writing in advance to the Bishop. (This we shall, of course, do!) Secondly, the churchwardens must send a Letter of Representation to the Patron, and copy to the Bishop, requesting the type of man the parish wants.

The major part of the evening was spent discussing with the Archdeacon - in the presence of the Patron - the sort of qualities and characteristics the new vicar of St. James’s would ideally possess. The P.C.C. had held a preliminary discussion on this subject the previous week and so not only did a clear and fairly unanimous view emerge, but everyone felt able to express their opinions with confidence. It was interesting to hear that the Archdeacon felt we would ‘have a younger man for breakfast’! Do we present such a fearsome image to outsiders?

And that led on to the subject of how a prospective incumbent might get to know something about us. Firstly, the Archdeacon and Area Dean, Timothy Higgins of St. Augustine’s, Whitton, draw up an unofficial job description to send to likely candidates. This not only specifies the day-to-day tasks to be done in the parish, but also paints a portrait of what the parish is like - warts and all! If this does not put off an interested party, he may ask to meet the P.C.C. - something we would like actively to encourage but may not request!

Where will the patron find possible candidates to fill the vacancy? Hopefully, from the register of priests requesting a transfer which is produced monthly by the Clergy Appointments Board. Using this method credentials may be scanned and matched to our requirements. The Patron will then interview likely candidates, one at a time, and send them to meet the churchwardens who will either give or withhold their consent to an appointment.

It may take some time for the vacancy to be filled. Perhaps a year. As the Archdeacon said, it is right for there to be ‘a period of mourning’ after the departure of one priest and before the induction of his successor. We shall do all we can to maintain the life and worship of the parish during the interregnum and in this task we shall be greatly indebted over the coming months to Gordon Wilson and our four Readers. Please pray for all who are involved in this great venture, especially the Patron, Archdeacor and Area Dean, that the right man may be found to lead St. James’s forward in faith and hope.

Source: Lesley Mortimer and Alan Taylor, Churchwardens, The Spire Magazine - 1988 June