During the vacancy
What it means
All eight parishes in the Benefice are currently between appointments after the resignations of the Team Rector and the Team Vicar. In church terms, this period is called an interregnum.
The Bishop of Norwich, the Rt. Revd. Graham Usher, has advised:
"To enable consideration of a suitable plan for mission and ministry, that may include consideration of possible pastoral reorganisation, it is proposed that the right of presentation be suspended for up to five years so that a full consultation can take place before any appointment is made."
In plain terms, this means the Diocese is taking time to consult on the future shape of ministry across the parishes before a new appointment is made. "Right of presentation" is the formal process for putting forward a new priest for appointment, and "pastoral reorganisation" means possible changes to how parishes and ministry are arranged.
Who to contact
During the vacancy, the first contact for weddings, baptisms and funerals (including churchyard matters) is the Rural Dean — the priest covering this contact route while the Benefice is between appointments. See Weddings, baptisms and funerals.