Outrage over plans to make reverends redundant
Two Havant reverends are fearing for their jobs after a proposed shake-up by the Diocese of Portsmouth.
A statement by the Diocese of Portsmouth announced a proposed £9.1 million restructure to the area.
This announcement includes a re-organisation of Havant’s parishes which will include Leigh Park, West Leigh and Warren Park. It now puts Rev Jonathan Jeffery, Vicar of Leigh Park and Warren Park, and Rev Karina Green, priest in charge at St Albans, West Leigh, at risk.
The proposed investment to Havant includes an additional funding of £1.4 million over the next five years, more food banks, as well as a re-structure of ministry posts and increasing staffing over the area from three to five.
Following the announcement, the public soon had their view on the matter — a petition was created online in support of the reverends’ jobs which now has more than 756 signatures.
A Facebook page was also created, which has more than 1000 members with many heated comments.
Rev Jonathan said: ‘I was simply shocked. They should build onto what we already have, not replace it.’
A public meeting was held on Wednesday, October 17 which gave more than 100 people more of an insight to the proposed changes, allowing people to have their views.
The majority of people did not agree with the fact that Reverends Karina and Jonathan’s jobs were at risk. After the question was asked to the Diocese, they could not confirm the Revs would hold their posts after the changes and said: ‘They will be considered for roles, should they wish to apply.’
At the meeting, Rev Jonathan said: ‘I am humbled by the support and it is a tremendous effort.
‘But I do oppose the proposal — if you wanted to work with us, you would have consulted us and we could have done it all differently.’
The proposed changes are part of a six-month plan and will ultimately take place towards the end of 2019.
To find out more about the multi million pound re structure, see link: https://www.portsmouth.anglican.org/news/2018/10/09/multi-million-pound-investment-help-our-mission-and-ministry/
