A brand new interim theological adviser has been appointed to the Home of Bishops following the current resignation of the Bishop of Newcastle as co-leader of Residing in Love and Religion (LLF) within the Church of England.
Bishop Helen-Ann Hartley was co-leader with Bishop Martyn Snow, however following the appointment of Conservative vicar Dr. Tom Woolford as Interim Theological Advisor has stepped down from this position.
In an announcement saying her resignation from the LLF, the bishop expressed “critical issues” concerning the means of appointing an interim theological adviser to the Home of Bishops, saying it had a “critically unfavorable influence on the work that Bishop Martyn and I’ve pursued. in good religion to do”.
“My position as co-lead bishop for the LLF course of now undermines my capability to meet my main calling, to steer and look after folks and locations within the Diocese of Newcastle,” she mentioned.
On the time, Bishop Snow mentioned the co-leading bishops for the LLF “should be concerned within the appointment of future theological advisers”.
The Archbishops of Canterbury and York introduced yesterday that the Reverend Canon Dr. Jessica Martin from Ely Cathedral has now been appointed to work alongside Dr. Woolford.
“Within the final week there have been many public feedback on the appointment of a provisional theological adviser to the Home of Bishops,” the archbishops mentioned.
“This required care to be taken care of not just for the people who’re or are affected by this appointment, but additionally for the broader LLF course of.
“We’re grateful to Jessica and Tom for his or her willingness to work collectively as short-term joint theological advisors.
“We stay involved concerning the unfavorable tone of the debates in some elements of the church, particularly on social media.
“We should all do our greatest to disagree in a method that exhibits the love of Jesus Christ to each individual we meet, particularly these with whom we disagree.
“We’re assured that Tom and Jessica will mannequin this of their new roles and help the bishops in our work.”
Dr Jessica Martin mentioned: “It’s a nice pleasure to fill this interim position, working alongside Dr. Woolford in service to the entire church and to mannequin mutual charity in distinction within the recommendation he and I provide collectively to help the bishops and FAOC. .”
Dr Tom Woolford mentioned: “I perceive the important significance of guaranteeing that confidence is maintained within the LLF course of and I welcome the appointment of Dr Martin as joint theological advisor.
“I intend and anticipate that we are going to each individually and collectively endeavor to supply recommendation in a impartial method and I stay up for our working collectively to help the bishops and the FAOC.”