A long-time visitor to St Cuthman’s retreat centre, which Arundel and Brighton diocese recently announced is to close imminently, has criticised the decision and questioned the level of consultation that took place.
Secondary school teacher Theresa Conlon, who lives in neighbouring Portsmouth diocese, has been attending St Cuthman’s for more than 12 years. A series of retreat days have been scheduled before the doors shut and when Ms Conlon visited after Easter she met people from the diocese who were taking advantage of their last opportunity to be there.
A notice on the centre’s website refers to the “difficult” decision made by the trustees: “We hope to welcome as many of our supporters as possible for quiet days and stays between now and the end of June … but please bear with us as we are expecting a busy and difficult time.” The statement added that contributions to a fundraising appeal to repair a bridge within the grounds would be refunded.
Recalling that the late Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor had overseen the transfer of St Cuthman’s from its earlier Anglican foundation, Ms Conlon told The Tablet the closure would “take away a place that has provided spiritual and physical renewal to so many”.
Calling for its closure to be publicised “so that a suitable purchaser can come forward”, Ms Conlon added: “The organisation of the faithful into dioceses and parishes often works against the principle of subsidiarity and decisions are made with only nominal consultation.” In a video on his diocesan website, Bishop Richard Moth lamented that for three years “the central offices of the diocese have been working with a negative budget in excess of £1m per annum”.
Steps to address the shortfall involve a reorganisation of diocesan staffing and the closure had not been considered lightly, the bishop said. “Whilst the trustees recognise that the centre is excellently run by a loyal and hardworking staff, the operation of the retreat centre poses inherent ongoing financial risks due to the nature of the estate,” he said. He added that consultations had taken place with those staff affected and two employees at St Cuthman’s had accepted roles elsewhere in the diocese.
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