The strong reaction by Southampton University Students to the possible loss of their much appreciated Chaplain, the Rev Simon Stevens, is heart-warming but may be misplaced. It is certainly ‘jumping the gun’.

Various blog references have been made to the Winchester Diocesan budget but this has not yet been through the all-important Synod discussion and approval or rejection stage. What emerges from that, on Saturday 28th November, will be made public after what is expected to be vigorous debate.

From this it will be appreciated that comments expressed in blogs or points being protested about to date are currently based only on one local Deanery’s synopsis of what might be necessary to balance the Diocesan budget.

Diocesan Secretary, Andrew Robinson, says: “Those who are protesting should be assured that a budget of this kind is so critically important that to second-guess what might happen is not helpful although we understand the real concern being expressed.

“Indeed, Southampton University students’ readiness to demonstrate on behalf of their popular and effective Chaplain highlights just how very important this area of the Church of England’s mission is to students and young people. “

Bishop Michael Scott-Joynt says, “Many Christians and other “not-for-profit” organisations are feeling the effects of the present financial situation, not least on people’s ability to give generously to fund them.

“So the Diocese of Winchester, dependent on the generous giving of parishioners and with very little historic income, is determined to produce a realistic, balanced budget for 2010 which will enable us to sustain our vision and our mission which we deliver primarily through our parishes across much of Hampshire, east Dorset and the Channel Islands”.

The present financial situation may be a cause for concern at one level but, viewed positively, it is also an opportunity to review every area of our Diocesan mission. To achieve that demands a process of prayerful consultation and our Bishops and officers are committed to achieving that in a way which will be fully supported by the diocese as a whole.