Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain

Ecumenical Patriarchate

Deanery

8^th March 2021

Dear All,

I am sorry to have to inform you that the advertised Reader’s Vespers may not go ahead as an activity of the Deanery. There was a misunderstanding about what was involved.

A number of concerns have been raised, which include responsibility for:

• Data privacy;
• Safeguarding;
• Pastoral Responsibility;
• Potential clashes with services restarting in the London Parishes, and elsewhere.

It is fair to say that the texts, prepared for use by appointed Readers under the guidance of their assigned priest, have been checked by me and amended to conform with the published texts of the Deanery; likewise the music and service structure have been checked and approved. It is anticipated that this material will eventually form part of a liturgical resource of the Deanery.

While the idea behind this initiative arose from discussions between the organisers of the Deanery conference and others, and the proposal for a liturgical resource has been raised by several interested parties, it is not proper for this activity to come under the aegis of the conference/festival.

In certain circumstances, such an activity, which can include the use of relevant prayers of the Church, may take place as a private event by people, though it is advisable that it should always be done in consultation with their priest.

Any future initiative must not use the lists of names gathered specifically for use by the Deanery conference organisers or for other legitimate Deanery purposes, and given in trust by individuals for a specific purpose.

Yours sincerely,

Archpriest Patrick Hodson, Dean