Rector at heart of row
A Shropshire rector could face an investigation after a formal complaint was made by parishioners about his conduct following a "clash of personalities". A Shropshire rector could face an investigation after a formal complaint was made by parishioners about his conduct following a "clash of personalities". Churchgoers in Newport have expressed their concerns over the "leadership style" of the Reverend Steven Mitchell after "ongoing difficulties" over the last few months. The feelings came to a head when churchwarden, Derek Griffiths, resigned at last week's Parochial Church Council meeting. And it prompted parishioners to meet the Archdeacon of Salop, the Venerable John Hall, to discuss their concerns. Mr Mitchell, who is rector of Newport with Longford, Chetwynd and Forton, was unavailable for comment today but is carrying on with his services. Read the full story in today's Shropshire Star
A Shropshire rector could face an investigation after a formal complaint was made by parishioners about his conduct following a "clash of personalities".Churchgoers in Newport have expressed their concerns over the "leadership style" of the Reverend Steven Mitchell after "ongoing difficulties" over the last few months.
The feelings came to a head when churchwarden, Derek Griffiths, resigned at last week's Parochial Church Council meeting. And it prompted parishioners to meet the Archdeacon of Salop, the Venerable John Hall, to discuss their concerns.
The rector has been at St Nicholas's Church since November 2005.
Mr Mitchell, who is rector of Newport with Longford, Chetwynd and Forton, was unavailable for comment today but is carrying on with his services. No specific details of the complaints have been revealed.
Mr Hall said today: "A group of people came to see me for two hours. They were not being arrogant and rude, just very upset. This is a church they love and just could see people leaving it and felt deeply concerned about the life of the church."
He said there seemed to have been a "clashing of personalities" and concerns over leadership style.
"I think it goes back to about 12 months ago when they had their previous annual meeting. Difficulties seemed to arise from then."
Things came to a head when Mr Griffiths, a churchwarden of 12 years, resigned at last week's PCC meeting. He said today: "All I want is tranquility within the church."
Lichfield Diocese spokesman Gavin Drake said a number of complaints had been received about Mr Mitchell's conduct.
The complaint has been forwarded to the Diocesan Registrar, who will advise the Bishop of Lichfield whether the complainant is entitled to make the complaint, and whether the allegations are of sufficient substance to justify proceeding with it under the Clergy Discipline Measure.
Mr Drake added: "None of the complaints received constitute criminal wrongdoing. They have no bearing on issues of financial matters or child protection."