THE PARISH CHURCH OF ILKLEY ST MARGARET

Minutes of the meeting of the ‘Section 11 Meeting’ of the Parochial Church Council of St Margaret's, Ilkley held on Tuesday 23 February by ‘Zoom’

Helen Pilling in the chair. Meeting started at 7.30pm

Present: C Beaumont, R Beeson, H Buswell, C Cheater, C Gibson, B Harrison, G Hartley, J McGhee, H Pilling, C Ramage, D Shaw, R Smeaton, J Smith, M Still, V Smith, A Stretton, C Webster, S Williams, T Williams, A Wilson

Apologies: T Warnes

Parish Profile

The latest draft had been sent to the PCC prior to the meeting, for approval at the Section 11 Meeting.  Helen Pilling thanked Val Smith for the enormous piece of work she has done, and also thanked Vickie Kemp for her IT support.  The Archdeacon has seen the latest draft – he said it provided a wonderful insight into life at St Margaret’s.

Helen Pilling asked the PCC if they would confirm that 2 minor amendments could be made to the draft.  Firstly, on Page 3 where the Easter Sunday evening service would be included and secondly, to page 14 V 1(a) where the word “hospitality” would replace “Action”.  These amendments were approved.

The PCC discussed at length what to include in Section 8: ‘Additional Information’ with regard to its decision not to go to a Resolution.  The following three options were agreed to be voted on as follows:

  • Option 1:   Our new priest will need to work to ensure that the needs of all of our congregation are met.
  • Option 2: Our new priest will need to work hard to ensure that the needs of all our congregation are met given the theological convictions of a minority of the congregation regarding receiving the ministry of women bishops or priests.
  • Option 3: Our new priest will need to work hard to ensure that the needs of all our congregation are met given the theological convictions of a minority of the congregation regarding receiving the ministry of women bishops or priests including some of the congregation’s most committed and longstanding members.

Option 1 received 1 vote; Option 2 received 15 votes; Option 3 received 2 votes.  Therefore Option 2 will be included.

Val Smith proposed that the PCC approves the Parish Profile, including ‘Option 2’ - this was seconded by Gwyneth Hartley, and was unanimously approved.

Appointment of Parish Representatives – Catherine Cheater and Catherine Gibson

This was proposed by Bethany Harrison and seconded by Ros Beeson, and was unanimously approved.

Decision Whether to Request from the Bishop and /or Patron to Consider Advertising the Vacancy

Helen Pilling noted that it is standard practice in our Diocese to advertise the vacancy and asked if anyone was opposed.  Noone was opposed.  We will therefore request the presenting Bishop and/or patron to consider advertising the vacancy.

Section 12 Meeting

The meeting will take place by Zoom on 23 March at 7.30pm.  The PCC will be joined by Bishop Toby, Archdeacon Andy Jolley, Fr Oswin, our Area Dean Mike Coe and Marilyn Banister, Lay Chair of the Deanery Synod, who has kindly agreed to Chair the meeting.

Decision Whether to Request a Statement in Writing from the Bishop

Helen Pilling asked if anyone was opposed to requesting a statement in writing from the Bishop describing, in relation to the benefice, the needs of the Diocese and the wider interests of the Church.  Noone was opposed.  A Statement in Writing will therefore be requested from the Bishop.

Next Steps

Catherine Webster, PCC Secretary, will complete and return Form 34 and the required documentation to the Diocese.

ENDS