By request, I'm re-posting this from my own blog for the benefit of Rorate readers. Clifton diocese is in the South West of England (Clifton is actually a suburb of Bristol), and has the most modern cathedral you could ask for. By a strange coincidence, it has the largest number of Sunday TLMs of any diocese in England and Wales, but this is the result of a remarkable group of priests who happen to be there, rather than any diocesan policy. Think of them, as you imagine the consequences of a lay or non-Catholic 'Chief Executive' taking up this position at the moment Bishop Declan Lang takes a 4 month sabbatical due to ill health.
If you thought that the 'Chief Executive' of diocese would be, if anyone, the Bishop, you were wrong - at least where Clifton Diocese is concerned. They are advertising for one: and according to the 'person specification' section, candidates for the job needn't be Catholic. (I'd really like to know what the 'values', as opposed to teaching, of the Church are.)
Here's the main blurb. Why not apply?
An excellent vacancy has arisen for a Diocesan Secretary to fulfil the role of Chief Executive within the Clifton Diocese
Diocesan Secretary
The Catholic Diocese of Clifton is seeking to appoint a Diocesan Secretary to fulfil the role of Chief Executive and coordinate the administration of the Diocese.
The holder of this important post:
Will lead the formulation and implementation of a strategy for the long term financial security of the Diocese
Will have experience of leading a team of senior professionals and be committed to the mission of the Diocese
Will create an approach to balancing the quality of service to clergy and parishes with the management of risk.
Based in Bristol from autumn 2012, initially for one year, subject to review. Salary £65k. For more details see www.cliftondiocese.com (Working for Us)
Closing date: 5.00 pm Monday 13 August 2012.
From the 'Person Specification':
We seek a person who embraces the values of, but is not necessarily a member of, the Catholic Church. Experience of belonging to a Christian parish or similar community would offer valuable insights into the workings of the diocese.
