Matthew Payne Recommended for Ordained Ministry

We have wonderful news to share. Following his attendance at a Stage 2 Bishop's Advisory Panel in April, Matthew Payne has been recommended to train for ordained ministry as a Priest.

The Panel's report was unreserved in its conclusion, recognising in Matthew a vocation to ordained ministry at Incumbent level. Bishop Robert has warmly accepted this recommendation, writing that the Advisers saw in Matthew "a deep understanding of ordained ministry, recognition that this call comes from God through the Church and a ready willingness to respond to the Church's needs."

This is the fruit of a long and careful process of discernment — one that Matthew has walked faithfully and with real humility. It is a joy to see that calling confirmed so clearly.

Matthew will begin training at theological college in September. After the summer, he, Karen, and baby Anna will be moving to the UK to take this exciting next step together as a family.
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We give thanks to God for Matthew's willingness to respond to this call, and we hold him, Karen, and Anna in our prayers as they prepare for all that lies ahead. Please do take a moment to congratulate them when you see them.

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