Benefice Letter – July 2026
With Rev Manette’s retirement from parish ministry, our four churches have now entered a period known as a Vacancy, sometimes also called an Interregnum. The word “interregnum” literally means “between reigns,” whether of a monarch, a government, or indeed a priest. For us, it simply means a period without a resident rector while we go through the process of appointing a new one. It may be helpful to explain a little about what that involves. But first, a brief historical digression.
The most famous interregnum in this country is, of course, that between Charles I and Charles II, during the time of Oliver Cromwell. It was a period of considerable upheaval and division—perhaps not entirely unfamiliar to modern ears. Cromwell took a strongly critical view of many aspects of the Church of England as it then was. Among other measures, he appointed a Suffolk man, William (‘Basher’) Dowsing, the iconoclast, to tour churches and remove what he regarded as “superstitious” or idolatrous features.
Dowsing became an energetic agent of Puritan reform. In 1641 he moved to Dedham, then a centre of Puritanism, and later to Stratford St Mary. Some sources suggest he may have lived either at Lowe Hill House (the timber-framed house at the crossroads of School Lane, Higham Road and Green Lane) or in the beamed house opposite the former Black Horse in Stratford. From there, he set out with his assistants across East Anglia, leaving a trail of destruction recorded in his diary.
His entries include:
- “Houghton [Holton St Mary], Jan. 20. We brake down 6 superstitious inscriptions.”
- “Rayden [Raydon St Mary], Jan. 20. We brake down a crucifix, and 12 superstitious pictures; and a popish inscription, Ora pro nobis.”
- “Higham [Higham St Mary], Feb. 2. We brake down 15 superstitious pictures in the chancel; and 16 in the church … and gave order to level the steps in 14 days.”
Interestingly, as one historian notes, Dowsing appears to have left Stratford St Mary church untouched. One can only speculate why. In any event, we may be thankful that our own interregnum in 2026 is likely to be rather less dramatic.
So, what happens next? The Church of England’s process for appointing a new rector is somewhat bureaucratic and can take some time (surprise, surprise!). In outline, the steps are as follows.
First, representatives are chosen from each of the four parishes to lead the process—this has now been completed. The group then prepares a Benefice Profile, which is both a description of our churches and communities and, in effect, a job specification setting out what we are seeking in a new rector.
Following this, there is a meeting with the Bishop and Archdeacon at which the profile is reviewed and formally approved. We hope this will take place in the autumn, after which the post can be advertised and applications invited.
Given the size of our benefice, the post is part-time (equivalent to Sundays plus three days per week). While this means a lower stipend, it does come with a good-sized rectory. This combination may not suit everyone, but it can be attractive to those wishing to combine ministry with other responsibilities, or where there is a second household income.
Successful candidates will be invited to visit, meet parishioners, and take part in a formal interview process involving parish representatives, the Bishop, and the Archdeacon. Once an appointment is made, there is usually a further period of several months before the new rector can take up the post.
It is difficult to predict how long our whole process will take. As a point of comparison, Rev Manette arrived just over two years after Rev Rosalind Paul’s departure—though that period was, of course, affected by the disruption of Covid. We hope that this time the vacancy may be somewhat shorter, but we must be prepared for it to take time.
In the meantime, the life of our churches continues, assisted by visiting clergy and we look forward with hope to welcoming the right person to lead us in due course. If you would like to know more about the process or contribute any thoughts you may have on the sort of priest we should seek, please do not hesitate to contact any of the Churchwardens.
Hugo Parker
Churchwarden - Higham
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