Page 13, 12th September 2008

12th September 2008

Page 13

Page 13, 12th September 2008 — A fortunate diocese
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A fortunate diocese

From Mgr John McManus, vicar general of the Diocese of Shrewsbury SIR — In his article "Can we trust the dioceses to preserve our heritage?" (Comment, August 29), Andrew M Brown appears not to have understood fully the consultation process concerning the closure of SS Peter and Paul, New Brighton.
The consultation period ended in April 2007. There was then a period of two years while the bishop looked for alternative arrangements. These were spelled out to parishioners in my letter of October 24. We looked carefully at three possibilities, and decided that the sharing arrangement with All Saints was the best solution for the people of the parish. This was discussed with the parish priest, the parish finance committee and other parishioners, who were in agreement. They made it clear to us that they wanted a decision announced as soon as possible. So once the agreement was signed, we announced it.
Bishop Brian Noble has not misled anyone at any time. The consultations were fully candid. Parishioners knew we were discussing sharing with another denomination. The meetings with Urban Splash did not take place at my instigation. They included the Council, which would assume responsibility for the listed building once it was no longer used for worship. There were seven people at the meeting. It seemed sensible at the time to accept the invitation. The following day it was reported in the local paper. It was hardly secret. But it was exploratory, as Mr Brown says, and nothing more.
The diocese did not mislead the Vatican.
Mr Brown thinks that the opinion of Mr Morton, a qualified structural engineer, is highly relevant. But Mr Morton has not so far accepted our invitation to a meeting. The fact remains that he has not seen the results of our survey so he can't comment on them.
The important point is that the bishop is not entrusted primarily with the responsibility of preserving historic buildings but of making his diocese fit for the mission of Christ. In Shrewsbury we are fortunate to have a bishop who is doing that.
Yours faithfully, JOHN McMANUS Birkenhead




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