Changes to ecclesiastical laws could make it easier for the Church to reorganise parishes in the Isle of Man.

The measures would include a new code on compensation for clergy who lose office. They would also remove the need for consultation by church commissioners on a ’disposal’ scheme, if it was already subject to the planning process

Tynwald will this week be asked to approve the draft Mission and Pastoral (Amendment) Measure, following a report by parliament’s ecclesiastical committee.

The aims of the measure are to ’to simplify the procedures for pastoral reorganisation’ and allow the Bishop to create a ’formal framework for mission activities outside the ordinary parochial system which may foster or develop a form of Christian community’.

It means that Bishop Peter Eagles, who was installed at St German’s Cathedral, two weeks ago, will experience an early indication of the way in which his Church role is interwoven with island politics.

In a memorandum to the ecclesiastical committee, Ken Gumbley, chairman of the diocesan legislative committee, said the measure would ’simplify the procedures for pastoral reorganisation’.

He added: ’The Church Commissioners for the Isle of Man may, as an alternative to making particular recommendations, propose a reorganisation plan for approval by the Diocesan Synod.’

In those circumstances a ’draft pastoral scheme’ would be published online and announced at all regular services in those parishes affected.

’If a draft pastoral scheme is to be amended as a result of representations, the commissioners must consult on the amendments, but need not re-publish the scheme,’ he added.

Arrangements for ’team and group’ ministries would be simplified, for instance special responsibilities would be assigned by the bishop’s licence, not a pastoral scheme.

’The requirement for consultation on a draft disposal scheme is removed where the proposals in it are planning matters - eg a change of use - which can be raised with the planning authority.’

He added: ’The compensation scheme for clergy, etc, whose office is abolished on pastoral reorganisation is replaced.

’Under the new scheme, such an office-holder is entitled to a lump sum equal to 12 months’ stipend, and housing for 12 months, or compensation in lieu. An additional payment may be authorised in special cases.’

The move to allow the Bishop to make a ’bishop’s mission order’, would see him able to ’identify the objectives of the initiative, its area, its leaders and their role’.

The order could specify the duration and designate a person to oversee it on the Bishop’s behalf. It would also ’if appropriate’, make provision for the financial management of the initiative.

â?¢ The new Bishop of Sodor and Man, the Right Reverend Peter Eagles MLC, was welcomed to Tynwald by his new parliamentary boss, president Steve Rodan.

’My vision is to lead and inspire the work of the church in offering pastoral and spiritual support across the whole of our community, and to represent the life and interests of the island to the wider church and world,’ he said.

Mr Rodan said: ’The Bishop of Sodor and Man holds an ancient office as a member of the Manx legislature, and I greatly look forward to Bishop Peter’s future contribution to the work of Tynwald and the Legislative Council.’