Licensed Lay Minister, Stephen Campion, has been asked to be the chaplain to the Mayor of Winchester, making him the first lay person to take up this position which has historically been held by members of the clergy. The Winchester mayoralty, which serves most of Hampshire, is the second oldest in England and dates back to 1200, dating back to the period when Winchester was the capital of Wessex and England.
Stephen was licensed in the benefice of Wickham and Shedfield in 2001. He has got to know the new Mayor, Angela Clear, who also worships in the benefice and was “delighted and honoured” to receive the invitation to take up the post of her chaplain.
The role of mayor’s chaplain is an honorary title and is mostly ceremonial – the job involves attending civic events such as Remembrance Sunday alongside the mayor. But there is also a spiritual role in offering prayers before every full council meeting, and in providing spiritual support and guidance to the mayor when required.
Stephen, now retired and who has a professional background working in NHS management, is also encouraged to know he is the first lay person in this important role.
This is a huge affirmation of the value of lay ministry. There are distinctive differences between lay and ordained ministry, each called to serve in different ways. I have always understood lay ministry to be like a bridge between the congregation and clergy – which seems fitting in the role of mayor’s chaplain.
It is also becoming increasingly clear that the Church of England must stop relying on clergy and call upon the gifts of its lay ministers. But that said, I never dreamt I would be asked to take on the role of Mayor’s chaplain – what an honour!
The Mayor’s Chaplain can also act as a focal point for religious or faith groups in the area and to advise the Mayor on religious and other matters, explaining the differences and similarities of different beliefs and practice. Attending a religious or other service of another faith is the outward show that he/she is the Mayor of all the people and of the right to worship freely. It is therefore important that the support that the Chaplain helps the Mayor to understand and lead all sections of the community.
Stephen is very aware of this need in our plural society and he wants to support the mayor as she connects with people of all faiths and none. “It doesn’t matter what each individual believes, or even if they voted for her! – the mayor’s office (and therefore mine as chaplain) is to serve all people in the area.”
Angela Clear officially becomes Mayor of Winchester on 17th May 2023 and Stephen’s first duty is to preach on ‘Mayor’s Sunday’ at Winchester Cathedral. “Am I nervous? yes! But also feeling enormously privileged. After that, who knows what the rest of the year will bring!”
