The Dean of Jersey, the Very Rev Bob Key, who was not given the title of Rector of St Helier when he was installed last autumn, said the decision showed the Anglican Church’s commitment to the historic traditions of parish life.
‘It is about the church’s commitment to continuing to be part and parcel of the fabric of Jersey life,’ he said.
‘And it is saying that the relationship between a Constable and a Rector really matters.
It is not just about sitting on roads committees and welfare boards, it is about what I do with the Constable of St Helier, Simon Crowcroft, by going down the pub for a drink.’ The Dean will not be the only parish priest who can add the title of Rector to his list.
Since the title was suspended during the term of his predecessor, the Very Rev John Seaford, new incumbents have been installed in Grouville (the Rev Mike Lange-Smith), Trinity (the Rev Geoff Houghton) and St Lawrence (the Rev Phil Warren) under the title peculiar to Jersey of ministre dessérvant or – to use an English term not recognised in Jersey ecclesiastical law – priest in charge.
