The lonely rector sees no reason to divorce

If they don't want to play, then perhaps they should not have been invited.'

As that 'one lonely rector' may I comment.

All my colleagues were at that point (25 January 2012) at St Paul's Cathedral for the consecration of the new Bishop of Winchester, Tim Dakin. I didn't go to London because I had another commitment that I felt I couldn't miss. Indeed, the Bailiff was also missing from the States on that occasion, also at Bishop Tim's consecration, perhaps he too didn't want 'to play'.

The problem being, the invitation to the consecration had come months prior to being informed of the States meeting, and once accepted couldn't be undone.

I believe the Dean did ask if the States meeting was able to be moved, but that too was set in stone. So regretfully, the other clergy were not involved, and I became the 'one lonely rector.'

I personally don't want a divorce. I feel that the clergy have an important representational role to play. Indeed, it could be argued that rather than reduce the number of clergy it might be worth considering including other denominations alongside the Church of England.

And if we take the argument further, perhaps there should be representatives from the schools and colleges, businesses, charities and the like – to widen the representative nature of the States.

And next time there is a States of Election, the row of empty chairs will be full as we continue to take our role seriously.

THE REV. MARK CHARMLEY,

'Lonely Rector' representing St Saviour's, Forest, St Pierre du Bois and Torteval parishes.