22 Years of Faithful and Generous Service
At Diocesan Synod on the 10th May Canon Michael Arlington stepped down as Chair of the Finance Committee, after 22 years of faithful and generous service.
Michael has made an enormous contribution to the life of the Diocese, particularly in financial leadership, over the past two decades. Michael has ensured that diocesan resources have been well stewarded, including our fruitful investment in solar and wind energy, and has been a key strategic advisor to three Diocesan Bishops. With two chief executives over a 6 year period he planned and managed the build and finances of our diocesan office, Jubilee House.
During this time, he also has served locally at two secondary schools, one as Chair of the Board of Governors, one as governor for 15 years and as a member of the Diocesan Board of Education (DBE) for 12 years. Nationally Michael served the church as Vice-Chair of Archbishop’ Council Finance Committee, Chair of their Investment Committee for 8 years and as a member of the Archbishops’ Simplification Task Force.
He was also a Trustee, and Chair of the Grants Committee, of Benefact (formerly Allchurches) Trust, as well as developing other charitable interests both locally and internationally. He continues as charity Chair of a secondary school in rural Uganda and recently started managing a UK charity’s work majoring on water, health and education provision in Lalibela, Ethiopia. He continues with his farming business and charitable interests.
While the process of appointing a permanent Chair of Finance will soon be underway, we are pleased to confirm that Revd Colin Bourne has agreed to be Interim Chair of Finance. Colin is a member of the Finance Committee who previously served on Bishop’s Council, as Area Dean of Nottingham South and Vicar of Toton. Before training for ordained ministry, Colin worked as a School Teacher and a Tax Inspector.
Bishop Paul said ‘We are so grateful for Michael and the many ways he has served this Diocese over the past 22 years. He has made a truly exceptional contribution to the mission of the church across the diocese, not only through his dedication to ensuring its financial health, but also the alignment of resources to the vision of God. Michael cares deeply that people may come to know Jesus and this has always been the primary inspiration in his work for the diocese as Chair of the Finance Committee, as well as all the many other ways he serves. I am very thankful that he has agreed to continue to be engaged closely with me in new ways as we continue to grow the church across Nottinghamshire and beyond.’
Please join us in praying for Michael as he steps back from this significant role, for Colin as he takes on responsibility as Interim Chair, and for the whole diocese as we continue our Journey of Generosity together.