Anglicans work toward new structure

Archdeacon Stuart Goodin is one of those involved in a re-think of Anglican services in Whanganui. PHOTO/ FILE

Anglican parishioners are inching toward a decision to amalgamate Whanganui's four parishes, Archdeacon Stuart Goodin says.

A re-think of the delivery of Anglican services began more than a year ago. It was a response to ageing and dwindling congregations and duplication of services across the district.

It's subject to agreement from parishioners, and Mr Goodin said a sense of local representation within a new combined body was an issue.

A vote for formal amalgamation of the four parishes was narrowly lost in late September.

Meetings of elected leaders have now reached a point where a revised plan is likely to be brought to parishioners in the early new year.

"The elected leaders' team is feeling pretty confident there will be something worthwhile for people to consider," Mr Goodin said.

This time, the parishioners may find the proposal acceptable.

Centralising services at Christ Church in Wicksteed St was part of the plan. The proposal to move St Chad's from St John's Hill to the central city has not found favour.

Services at St Chad's are to continue twice a month for the next year and then be reviewed, Mr Goodin said. They are about to change now, but only for the holiday period.

All Saints in Whanganui East and St Peter's in Gonville continue to have services on Wednesdays.

The Bishop of Wellington, Justin Duckworth, has said he may move to Whanganui, leaving work in Wellington to an assistant.

An assistant bishop will be elected in March, Mr Goodin said.

Having such a position would make Bishop Justin's move possible, but he will not be free to make it till early 2018.