I've got to meet the Bishop later this month, to see whether he accepts that recommendation and will send me to the Bishop's Advisory Panel (BAP) which is run by the Church as a national selection process. It's run over a long weekend in different locations a few times a year.
The discernment process might seem to some to be quite long, quite drawn out and to be looking for some strange personal qualities. I wonder how I managed to get through it so far. Perhaps I'll be found out later?
But whatever comes of this process, I've had a hugely beneficial journey, shared with so many great and Holy people, supported by prayer and surrounded by the freely given grace of God.
Lots more I could say, but I've been privileged to share so much which has meant so much to me. God has certainly got a sense of humour. I wanted to turn Cartwheels today when I got the news. But age and dignity precluded that. :)
Dear UKViewer, I am so very pleased for you. Your suitability for the priesthood shines out to me and I am so glad this has been recognised by the Church of England. Of course we will continue to pray that the next hurdle is equally successful.
ReplyDeleteI shall be *extremely* sorry to lose you at Lay Anglicana, but will hope that, even from the chancel, you will continue to join in with comments and in the forum.
Laura,
ReplyDeleteThat's a long way ahead, if ever. But I think that Clergy are still also lay people, or at least should be living in their world. Set apart surely, but not separate.
So another door opens and soon you will be pushing at the 'BAP' door. I hope you don't have to wait longer than necessary for the next step along the way. You are right - clergy are part of the laity (people of God)but in general parlance a distinction is made between 'ordained' and 'lay' - I really don't know why.
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