Rochester Diocesan Society and Board of Finance

Who we are

We serve a population of some 1.3 million people which is likely to increase by another 200,000 over the next 15 years or so, having increased by 100,000 in recent years.

Urban, suburban and rural, the wealth of cultures across the Diocese is huge. From this rich mix, we represent some of the most prosperous and poorest areas of the country.

Because of this, we both have some of the biggest challenges and, as we see it, some of the best opportunities for growing God’s Kingdom. 

We seek to be a Church that reflects the diversity of our communities both in our membership and in our leaders, and one that is a safe and welcoming space where all can flourish and be valued. 

Serving this community we currently have: 

• 231 beneficed and licensed clergy 
• 440 people in a lay ministry role
• 211 parishes
• 90 church schools

We believe that all Christian people have a calling from God to know and love him more, and to serve others in his name. 

Indeed, we are recognised nationally as a leader in lay vocation, particularly for our creative approach to the variety, scope and training of Licensed Lay Ministers, which is unique to our Diocese. 

As well as a range of discipleship and prayer courses and materials, our Diocese has pioneered opportunities in Anna Chaplaincy, which has a special focus on those who have dementia and other end of life issues. 

Numerous licensed clergy and lay ministers serve as chaplains, and in diocesan and cathedral roles.

Alongside this, we enjoy flourishing relationships with the Anglican Dioceses of Harare in Zimbabwe, and Kondoa and Mpwapwa in Tanzania, as well as an ecumenical link with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Estonia.

Our culture and values

Called Together is our shared vision and practical plan of work across the Diocese to change, serve and grow, as we seek first the Kingdom of God, with compassion, courage and creativity.

Seeking God’s kingdom in this way means bringing about a Church where all can flourish and ‘have life in all its fulness’ as God intends (John 10:10).
 

An ambitious and hope-filled plan

Called Together is an exciting and ambitious nine-year programme of work to help realise our common vision to grow missional churches, with missional leaders and missional disciples.

At the heart of the vision is a commitment to creating and supporting a flourishing and well-resourced parish system to grow God’s kingdom across Medway, north and west Kent, and the London Boroughs of Bromley and Bexley.

The work supported by the vision is designed to enrich every church setting.

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

The Diocese is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.

The wider a group’s diversity, the smarter, wiser, and more compassionate and creative its decision making becomes.
We are committed to achieving diversity throughout our Diocese by seeking UKME/GMH colleagues and those from a wide range of backgrounds, to help us create a culture of inclusion and belonging.