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The newspaper from the Church of England for everyone in the Diocese of Guildford May 2015 - Issue 82
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“Let’s sing a more beautiful, life-giving song”
- Guildford diocese officially welcomes Bishop Andrew as the tenth Bishop of Guildford. See centre pages.
Retiring dio sec ‘a healthy antidote to clericalism!’
Stephen addresses well-wishers at his retirement party in St Mary’s Church, Guildford
Friends and family were joined by colleagues past and present to bid farewell to diocesan secretary Stephen Marriott when he retired this Easter after 15 years in the role. Speaking at his leaving party in St Mary’s Church, Guildford, Bishop Ian praised Stephen’s work, saying that, after a career in merchant banking, he brought with him a knowledge of how to make money work for the benefit of the Church, as a tool to help further the
kingdom of God. Bishop Ian said: “Senior staff always found his contributions very valuable and he will be remembered particularly for his advice to struggling parishes. He has been a healthy antidote to clericalism!” Chairman of the Diocesan Board of Finance, Nigel Lewis, complimented Stephen on the fact that the diocesan budget had balanced every year under his stewardship, that he had cut costs by sharing services and staff with Winchester and Portsmouth dioceses, raised clergy stipends and moved money out of
investments into property before the crash. Bishop Andrew, who had only known Stephen for a short time said he was sorry that Stephen had decided to take early retirement, aged 57, and complimented him as ‘a fantastic ideas person.’ Stephen’s strong financial skills meant his advice was often sought by other dioceses and at a national level where he was a driving force behind introduction of the national Parish Buying Scheme and insurance scheme and other projects designed to save parishes money. He also set an example by his personal
faith through his work as an occasional preacher and as a Street Angel in Guildford. Stephen said: “It has been a great privilege to have had this job, the privilege of working directly for one’s faith, the privilege of colleagues’ support, the challenges and the fellowship. “The diocese is well blessed and so am I to have been with you and worked with you all these years. For these things, for the many kind words of good wishes, for all the gifts…..many, many thanks. I am very touched by your generosity.”
Inside: Cathedral and parishes gain awards - P2 • Get set for Summer School - P3