An update on Deanery Revitalisation from Bishop Mark

Speaking during a visit to the Macclesfield Deanery, which included a pilgrim walk through the area, Bishop Mark reflected on the purpose behind the changes and the importance of ensuring the Diocese's vision continues to be delivered through local churches and communities.

"We are a diocese rooted in local communities," he said. "People meet Jesus through real people in real places. The life of the Diocese of Chester is not centred on a great machine somewhere else. It is found in our parishes, churches, schools and neighbourhoods."

Since becoming Bishop of Chester seven years ago, Bishop Mark explained that one of the recurring questions has been how the Diocese can work together more effectively while remaining locally led.

"I have always resisted the idea of a top-down strategy imposed on people," he said. "Strategy is about Christian people choosing to work together in ways that are cooperative and effective."

Over recent years, the Diocese has worked together to identify three key priorities: strengthening partnerships across communities, raising up a new generation of leaders of all ages, and establishing new Christian communities alongside the shared commitment to making disciples and equipping people for ministry and service.

To support these priorities, plans have been developed to reshape deanery structures so that churches can work together more effectively at a local level.

Bishop Mark acknowledged that reorganising deaneries is not a straightforward process.

"If we did not believe this was essential to delivering our vision from the ground up, we would not be doing it," he said. "I would much rather be out sharing the good news of Jesus Christ than working on internal church reorganisation. But we have recognised that we need slightly fewer deaneries and more focused deaneries if we are to achieve what God is calling us to do."

A draft proposal was issued earlier this year, followed by a consultation across the Diocese. Bishop Mark praised the response from clergy, church officers and congregations, describing the feedback as both "clear" and "helpful".

The consultation highlighted concerns about the pace of change, leading to a revised timetable for implementation. Feedback also identified areas where proposed boundaries could be improved, helping ensure deaneries better reflect local relationships, partnerships and community connections.

"You told us we were moving a little too quickly, so we have listened and adapted the timeframe," Bishop Mark said. "You also told us that some boundaries were not quite right. That's exactly why consultation matters. The local wisdom is on the ground, and we are trying to do this together."

He thanked those who have contributed to the process through prayer, discussion and consultation responses, emphasising that the work belongs to the whole Diocese rather than any one individual or department.

"There will be change in the weeks and months ahead," he said. "Change is not always comfortable, but we undertake it because we have a message of hope in Jesus Christ that our world needs to hear."

Concluding his message, Bishop Mark encouraged churches to continue engaging positively with the process and to remain focused on the Diocese's mission.

"This is really important work, and honestly, it is exciting as well," he said.

"Thank you for all that you are and all that you do. Thank you for your willingness to work together, even when it is challenging, and for your commitment to sharing the hope of Jesus Christ with a world that so desperately needs it."

More information about Deanery Revitalisation and the next stages of the process will be shared with churches and deaneries in the coming months.