Ascension : An open letter to the parishioners and people of Ascension Island from the Church Council of St Mary’s Church
Submitted by The Islander (Clive & Jenny Duncan) 14.04.2005 (Article Archived on 28.04.2005)
What is St Mary’s Church Council? The Council members are individuals who volunteered to serve the church and parishioners of St Mary’s.
St Mary's Church, Ascension Island
Diocese of St Helena, Province of Southern Africa
St Mary’s Church
Georgetown
Ascension Island, SAO
April 3, 2005
What is St Mary’s Church Council? The Council members are individuals who volunteered to serve the church and parishioners of St Mary’s. It’s comprised of two Church Wardens and five general members. The basic duties are to oversee the operation of the church and provide guidance to the Vicar in meeting the needs of the people of Ascension Island, regardless of faith or denomination.
The Council members are elected at the annual the Vestry meeting. To be eligible for nomination, one has to have been confirmed and a willingness to serve their fellow man. Nominations were opened and as of today, no one has volunteered. The current Council’s term expires at the annual Vestry meeting on the 17th of April. Several long serving members are not renewing their membership because of job relocation, leaving Ascension, etc.
Therefore, it is with a heavy heart that we must announce that if a new Council is not elected at the Vestry meeting, Canon Clive will then inform the Bishop on St Helena, that a new Council was not elected. Nominations will again be opened for new council members. If after the second time, a new church council isn’t elected, the Bishop is again informed. It’s at this point that local control of St Mary’s is relinquished to the Council of the Diocese of St Helena.
In closing, we ask that you take a few minutes to reflect on the words above and the “relinquishing control” of St Mary’s. Please, look into your heart and consider becoming a member of the Council
Respectfully,
St Mary’s Church Council
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