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Connect-Communion

Main Points of the Diocesan Link Spring Update

Written by Jordan Taylor
  • Jacqueline was introduced as the new DL for Westminster.
  • Letters have been sent to all dioceses currently without a Diocesan Link, and early responses have already come back from Brentwood and Westminster.
  • Portsmouth (Evelyn) is taking a structured, grassroots approach. All women’s groups in the diocese have been mapped with a women-only rosary group as a starting point. The longer-term aspiration is an annual gathering of women with the bishop.
  • Hallam (Judith) is navigating a period of transition as the bishop has stepped down and Bishop Marcus Stock of Leeds is temporarily in charge. A consultation process about Hallam’s future is expected to take up to two years. The annual forum questions will be published in the diocesan newspaper (the Hallam Bridge), and a social/focus group meeting is planned for 4th July.
  • Arundel & Brighton (Sue) also currently has no bishop. Sue runs a monthly newsletter and blog and plans to include the synodality questions in the next issue.
  • Plymouth (Jacintha) A “Stay Awake” conference in Dorchester (within two weeks) will be used to distribute the annual forum questions and form focus groups.
  • All DLs are working to circulate two questions from the Bishops’ Conference. Responses are due by 28th May 2026, with a report going to the Bishops’ Conference in September/October.
  • Late responses will still be accepted. The in-person day on 11th June is designed to help gather and consolidate responses.