The events of this week have come as a great shock and surprise. It is not for us to comment on the rights and wrongs of this situation as these matters are always complicated. You can read the various statements from Senior Leadership and the retired Bishop of Liverpool on the diocesan website. They have also published a pastoral letter from the Bishop of Warrington.
I know this will lead to many questions and it may stir up a range of emotions so I want you to be able to talk about any feelings you may have. You can do this by speaking to me or Billy Barrow. If this has triggered anything in you then please access the safeguarding information on the diocese of website www.liverpoolcofe.org/safeguarding
As you can expect there are a number of things happening that I am not aware of, so I may not answer your questions and it is not helpful to speculate. But if you have questions I can ask the senior leadership. I know they are talking to the Archbishop of York about the provision of episcopal oversight and I am certain they will make announcements as soon as they can.
I want to assure you that I will do all we can to ensure this church is a safe and welcoming place for all where we can continue to worship and serve our Lord.
I ask you to join me in prayer
“Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.”
Revd Gill Hoy, Associate priest
on behalf of St.Lawrence with St.Paul’s Kirkdale