Displaying items by tag: diocese of Bristol

The Bishop of Bristol, Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, has declined to grant Permission to Officiate (PTO) to retired priest Revd Sue Parfitt, who is facing trial for criminal damage after a climate protest. PTO allows retired or non-stipendiary clergy to perform ministerial duties such as leading services, preaching, and conducting weddings or funerals. Parfitt, 82, is accused of damaging the glass protecting the Magna Carta at the British Library during a May 2024 protest. She and a fellow activist broke the glass and glued themselves to the display, holding a sign accusing the government of breaking the law. Parfitt said that while the Bishop’s decision is painful, her greater priority is raising awareness about the climate crisis. The Diocese of Bristol said that while it supports environmental action, it emphasises the need for peaceful and lawful methods of protest.