Bishop James Cowan met with the Consultation Committee on Thursday 8 December to discuss moving forward on the appointment of a Rector. From the outset, the committee emphasized their desire to have the Rev Susan Hayward-Brown appointed as our Rector, however, the Bishop was reluctant to change his policy of not appointing interim priests to the post they were presently filling. After a lengthy discussion, the Bishop offered an alternative solution whereby he would appoint Susan for an extended term of two years as Interim Priest, subject to Susan's acceptance of that offer and our understanding that she would still be at liberty to pursue other employment opportunities.
On Saturday 10 December, Bishop Cowan advised the committee that Susan had accepted the terms of appointment. Therefore, Bishop Cowan has appointed the Rev. Susan Hayward-Brown as the Interim Priest of St Philip's for a two year term commencing 1 January, 2012.
The committee will be meeting with Susan on Wednesday 14th December to discuss the parish's future under her leadership, after which the Consultation Committee will disband.