|TOP|The Bishop of Lichfield has told members gathered for the Lichfield Diocesan Synod at the weekend that he is planning for an upturn in clergy numbers.

In a positive address to Synod last Saturday, the Rt Rev Jonathan Gledhill assured that the diocese had “weathered a very great storm over the past few years and we have done it more successfully than many predicted,” despite the axing of £835,000 - or 42 posts - from its budget as part of an ongoing five-year financial strategy in the diocese.

Bishop Gledhill said the diocese had more candidates for ordination this year than ever before and the diocese is “set to grow again in many places”.

Numerous dioceses across the UK are facing a looming financial crisis under government pension changes.

|QUOTE|“Of course the next financial crisis will come upon us – this time of the government’s making,” he said. “But we must not freeze like rabbits in front of headlights. We must pray faithfully, think strategically and act courageously leaving the outcome to God.”

Lichfield Diocese is currently putting together a strategy for the next five years which includes more stipendiary curates and the possible recruitment of new youth officers as well as more clergy and lay workers, although these will be subject to the final approval of the Synod.

Bishop Gledhill also shared with the members the courage of the Rt Rev George Augustus Selwyn, first bishop of New Zealand and 50th Bishop of Lichfield, who led the Church of England in the Lichfield area in the 1800s.

|AD|He said despite the problems there was “no reason why together we should not face our challenges at least as bravely as Selwyn did his”.

“God has not changed, and he gives his vision and his courage to those who wait upon him,” said the Bishop of Lichfield. “May the God who risked all for us, give us grace to respond with faith and love and hope to what lies ahead."

Bishop Gledhill also challenged members at Synod to learn from the past and the success of the Victorian church.

“It’s good, as we look forward to our plans and make decisions together, to look back and be encouraged. Actually we face many of the same challenges, and there is much for us to be proud of too."

He praised the Victorian church for its “flow of people from the diocese of Lichfield, which became famous as a source of missionaries and missionary bishops.”

He said: “May this diocese always be a giving and receiving diocese in the matter of people!”