On Sunday we heard a update on from Roger regarding the future of St Michael le Belfry

Roger Simpson:

Over the last few months I’ve been thinking about my future and St Mike’s.  I love St Michael le Belfrey and it’s been a great privilege to serve Jesus Christ here as your Vicar over the last 10 and a half years.

The bishops have been encouraging larger churches to consider succession planning and since Matthew’s arrival I have felt for some time that we need to change roles to enable me to have a wider evangelistic role within St Mike’s and the Diocese and for Matthew to take on the leadership and running of St Mike’s.

I and the PCC had a very strong sense of God’s guidance in Matthew’s appointment here last year and I believe that God has called and equipped Matthew for the role of Vicar of St Mike’s.

We’ve had lengthy discussions with the Bishop and the PCC and we have the support of Bishop Martin and Archbishop Sentamu for this change of roles.

So it is my intention to resign as Vicar of St Mike’s in the next week or so.  We will then enter the process of selecting a new Vicar.  Matthew will be interviewed formally for this post by the Parish Representatives and it is my desire, and that of the PCC and Bishops, that he will be appointed.  It is also their desire that I will be appointed as Associate Vicar, to work alongside Matthew, supporting and encouraging him, and engaging in a wider evangelistic ministry in York and beyond.

Just to be clear, this will allow me to remain at St Mike’s as a supportive member of the clergy, but Matthew will, I hope, become the next Vicar.

Last Tuesday night, when Bishop Martin met with the PCC, he encouraged us to be open and transparent with the wider church about these plans.  So we’re asking for you to please pray for us and talk with us and support us is this new and exciting phase of our life together.

Roger Simpson – Vicar – 17 January 2010