THE search has begun for a new cluster rector.

Key members of the recently expanded cluster of seven churches, comprising St Breward, Blisland, Helland, Temple, St Mabyn, St Tudy and Michaelstow, gathered last week at Helland Village Hall to begin the lengthy and intricate process of deciding their individual priorities, regarding who might become their next vicar, following the retirement of the Rev Canon Sherry Bryan in June later this year.

The process is being led by Julian Briscoe, who is in charge of church growth and transition for the Diocese of Truro. He has provided a framework for the exercise.

Each church has gone away with a list of statistics to be considered together with local wishes as to the priorities for each parish in terms of what they will be looking for in their next incumbent.

The group will elect particular representatives to bring their findings together in what is a pilot project for the Diocese.

It is hoped that this new venture will help other parishes in the future, as they face the departure of busy priests and try to fill the gaps left behind.

Mr Briscoe told the Post: “Normally when a minister decides to retire or go to another job the church is left to its own devices as to what sort of priest they want to have.

“We are speaking with each group of parishes helping them work out what they see their church doing over the next five, 10 years and what they need to lead that forward.”