BISHOP’S HOUSE
27 CAVENDISH ROAD EAST
THE PARK
NOTTINGHAM
NG7 1BB
0115 947 4786
bishop@dioceseofnottingham.uk
Wednesday 10th July 2024

To the worshipping community of Saint Margaret Clitherow, Duffield
Also to the parishioners of the parish of The Epiphany, Amber Valley

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Over the past three years, as you know, discussions have been taking place about the pastoral provision within our diocese. These discussions recognise the reducing numbers of both clergy and laity within our parishes, and the number of places in which Sunday Mass is celebrated. We are called to be a missionary Church, an outward-facing Church, a Church in which our resources are used to best advantage, so that the Gospel Message of Jesus can be proclaimed throughout the East Midlands.
With this in mind, and in order to best use the clergy available within Derby Deanery, and conscious of the facilities within the Parish of the Epiphany, Amber Valley, I have determined that from Sunday 8th September the sacraments will no longer be celebrated in the church of Saint Margaret Clitherow, Duffield.
The longer-term future of the church is a matter for discussions and consultation, both within the parish and throughout the Deanery. In due course, consultations will be held to determine the best use of the various churches and buildings within the parish of the Epiphany, Amber Valley, in the light also of the availability of Masses and other parish provision more widely.
Keep me in your prayers, and please know that you are in my prayers.

+ Rt Rev Patrick McKinney
Bishop of Nottingham

PDF version of the letter