(CP) A Church of England vicar will not be obligated to step down despite a congregation’s vote of no confidence after his actions allegedly caused attendance to “plummet,” the diocese says.
St. Leonard’s Church in Buckinghamshire recently held a vote to call for the resignation of the Rev. Christopher Haywood, with 21 voting in favour and none voting against, in accordance with the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
“[I]t can’t be ignored that within the last three years, under his ministry the church has gone from being a central point in village life to being viewed as insular and detached,” the motion of no confidence reads. “We don’t have any confidence in his continued ministry on this parish.”
A churchgoer told LDRS that the vote got here after Haywood refused to permit a church warden’s funeral. Since then, the congregation numbers have “plummeted.”
The Diocese of Oxford said the vote was “not legally binding,” which suggests that Haywood will not be obligated to depart. Haywood has led St. Leonard’s, a small congregation near Wendover Woods, and three other Buckinghamshire churches since 2021. He was appointed to the position by the bishop of Buckingham. He previously served because the curate within the Benefice of Hugglescote with Donington, Ellistown and Snibston.
“This vote will not be legally binding and the vicar, the Rev. Chris Haywood, will not be obliged to go away,” the diocese stated. “The diocese is working with all parties concerned to bring about the perfect resolution to this breakdown in relationships.”
At the no-confidence vote meeting attended by 40 people, Haywood reportedly defended his decision not to permit the funeral of Anne Butterworth to happen although she served the church as a warden for over three many years.
One unnamed congregant told LRDS that Haywood wouldn’t allow the funeral because she wanted one other minister to conduct the service. Members also claim that Haywood has not responded timely to requests for baptisms and burials.
Haywood has not commented publicly in regards to the situation.
