Town centre churches to return to ‘status quo’

St Chad's Parish Church

A combined Parochial Church Council that covers two Rochdale town centre churches could be broken up if a new proposed measure is passed.

St Chad’s and St Mary’s were united into a single parish in 2010 and whilst the churches will continue to operate with a single vicar looking after both of them, they will now operate under two separate parishes.

Cherry Vann, the Archdeacon of Rochdale, explained the reasoning behind this move.

“It has become clear that this is not the best way of enabling two congregations to develop in their respective lives and ministries to the town.

“After a number of discussions in the PCC and amongst their own congregations, they have decided that the best way forward is to become separate parishes whilst remaining in the same benefice and under the one stipendiary priest.”

Norman Frisby, a church warden at St Chad’s, was keen to point out that this move should not be considered a split.

“I would stress that this is not a split, rather a return to the status quo.

“Before 2010, after much debate, there was a decision made to amalgamate the two churches and now the proposal is to return to the previous situation.”

Mr Frisby also explained that church-goers have already been notified of the potential changes.

“A note was given to the congregations at each church explaining the situation.”

“There are subtle differences that will affect us over the years but it returns more authority to each church.”

The process for this proposed move is underway and the legal scheme is out for consultation.