Rector ‘honoured’ by rural appointment

The rector of Dewsbury Minster, the Rev Canon Kevin Partington, has been given a new church role in our district.
New role: The Rev Canon Kevin Partington is installed as Rural Dean by the Venerable Peter Townley.New role: The Rev Canon Kevin Partington is installed as Rural Dean by the Venerable Peter Townley.
New role: The Rev Canon Kevin Partington is installed as Rural Dean by the Venerable Peter Townley.

Mr Partington was installed as Rural Dean for Dewsbury by the Archdeacon of Pontefract, the Venerable Peter Townley, at a service last week.

He takes on a pastoral role in the deanery area, which ranges from Mirfield to Batley and Thornhill. Mr Partington said: “It’s a traditional role where I act as a link between the parish clergy and the diocese and the bishop.

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“For example, on the pastoral side, if a parish priest was ill I would make sure they were supported. Or if there was a vacancy I would make sure they received cover.

“It’s an honorary role with a practical edge.”

Mr Partington added: “I am honoured at the level of trust and responsibility afforded to me.”

The invitation to serve as Rural Dean came from the Bishop of Wakefield, the Rev Stephen Platten, his senior staff and consultation with the clergy of Dewsbury deanery.

Historically, rural deans were appointed to oversee sections of a diocese far removed from the bishop, who was located in the large city of the area.

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