Bishop Alan has written to the 91 headteachers in the diocese to express his gratitude and support for their efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic. He says: “I am so grateful for the sheer hard work, along with your courage and creativity that has enabled our schools to remain open, albeit under such difficult circumstances. You have had to face so much – no easy words from me can change the situation, consolations and comforts may seem to lie in an unknown future.”
He talks about light at the end of the tunnel in respect of a vaccine, adding: “Life after the pandemic will be different for us all but our mission and calling remain the same, to work together for the building up of the Kingdom of God.”
He said encouragement could be drawn from the words of Pope St John Paul II: ‘Whatever may be your interior or exterior difficulties, which the merciful Lord knows, remain faithful…if the Lord has called us to work in his field, he is with us through his Spirit.’
He said: “The sacrifices and generosity of headteachers, staff and governors of the schools in the diocese leave me grateful and humbled. My anxiety is not about the rich amount you measure out but the personal cost to health and well-being of such self-giving. I want you to know that I am praying for you and that I will ensure that the Diocesan Education Service remains available to offer all possible help at this challenging time.”
He finished by thanking them “for being living witnesses for your school community and for your astonishing Vocation, your fidelity and great creativity”.
Read the full letter here: Bishop’s letter to headteachers
