"On Sunday 6 October I was delighted to announce the appointment of the new Dean of ChristChurch Cathedral and also the appointment of an Associate Dean. Both announcements were met with joy and thanksgiving by the Cathedral communities.
The new Dean is the Rev Lynda Patterson, the acting
dean of our Cathedral for the past 20 months since Peter Beck left the active
ministry to enter local politics. I cannot thank Lynda enough for her
ministry and sacrificial service over this time at the Cathedral which as you
know has been the focus of many emotional battles and debates. She has
held the Cathedral community together and also handled no small amount of
international media interest about both the Cathedral in the Square and the new
Transitional Cathedral.
The Associate Dean is the Ven Nick Mountfort the vicar
of St John’s Highfield, Timaru and Archdeacon of South Canterbury. Nick
is presently a member of the Standing Committee and has been involved with both
Anglican Care South Canterbury and the Anglican Care Trust Board including some
time as Chairman.
Lynda will commence her new appointment on 1 November and
Nick’s appointment begins on 15 February. Both Lynda and Nick were
elected at our September Synod to membership of General Synod.
The Transitional Cathedral continues to attract many visitors and on the 6 October when I was with the Cathedral community for all 3 services I was struck by the number of people who were visiting from elsewhere in New Zealand and overseas. This is the beginning of a return to how things were prior to the need to walk away from the Cathedral in the Square."
This will be my last post for a week in which I plan to have several days of fasting from the internet.
After tonight (Monday, NZ time) I may not post any comments until Saturday (NZ time).
5 comments:
Ron offers this comment, slightly edited, as reference to personal-rather-than-official-matters is not part of the role of ADU: "Great news about Dean-elect, Lynda. ... she has been a stalwart supporter of both Bishop Victoria and the Cathedral community. She not only deserves this post, but is also worthy of it.
God Bless you Lynda!
"
Great news! Lynda will be a fantastic Dean.
So, 'personal rather than offical matters' are now out of bounds, too, on ADU. What does that leave for the rest of your commentators? I think you do need a holiday, Peter.
Hi Ron
Yes, I need a holiday.
Please think about the phrase I omitted and ask the question whether it is appropriate to publish on behalf of another person something personal about them. If they wish their personal situation to be announced to the world there is Facebook, Twitter and starting their own blog ...
Peter, the Lord bless and refresh you in body and soul this week.
Thanks again for all you do.
Martin
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