Vicars licensed to their new parishes online

First published on: 23rd April 2020

Usually, a new vicar would be licensed - a legal process allowing them to preside in the church - in front of friends, family, and the congregation, during a service in the church.

However, like many things, the process has gone online.

Rev Simon Braid in Tonbridge, is among some of the first in the Diocese to experience an online licensing.

As the new priest-in-charge of Hever, Four Elms and Markbeech (also known as the Three Spires), Simon - along with church wardens from each church, Miriam Barker the Area Dean, and the Archdeacon of Tonbridge, the Venerable Julie Conalty - headed over to Zoom to take part in an online licensing.

Simon said: "I have been getting used to Zoom since the lockdown so I wasn't unfamiliar with it. I'm pleased that I am now legally in post but it wasn't quite the same as the big licensing event!

"We're looking forward however to doing something special to mark this new chapter in our lives and that of the Three Spires once we return to normality."

Simon's wife Susie, was also pleased to be part of the virtual occasion.

It comes after a number of months of getting to know the community in the 'real world':

"We've had a tremendous welcome and have enjoyed getting to know people in these very strong communities over the past months.

"The present crisis has shown these communities coming together in a wonderfully caring and loving way."

Read a short biography about Simon here

Rev Anne Bourne is also one of those to experience this new way of doing things.

Reflecting on her recent licensing over Zoom as the part-time, interim, Associate Rector of the Benefice of West Sevenoaks Team Ministry, she said:

"Zoom enabled my licensing to be a reality albeit virtually and a little more noisy than a normal church service!

"The licensing felt a little surreal but good to be able to be joined by individuals representing the three parishes that are part of the West Sevenoaks Team which I will serve, as well as some family members in the home."

She was delighted to receive her actual licence in the post.

Now plans are afoot to take the annual licensing service for new Licensed Lay Ministers (LLMs) online in May.

It will be followed up by a bigger celebration later in the year.

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