PLANS to give churches more choice about how often they hold services have been welcomed by the acting Archdeacon of Plymouth Nick Shutt.

Last week the Church of England’s General Synod approved legislation increasing flexibility for worship schedules in multi-parish benefices (groups of churches overseen by a team rector) many of which are in rural areas.

The Reverend Prebendary Nick Shutt, whose churches are based in the west Dartmoor area, said: “I have been the Rector of a multi-parish benefice of six parishes for 11 years and the news from Synod is very welcome because it reflects what is happening in parishes.

"We live with a mixed economy with different people wanting to worship in different ways: On any Sunday you may find a traditional Book of Common Prayer Service, a modern Communion Service, a lay led service happening or a Fresh Expression Service happening.

"Some people move around churches to enjoy the type of service that feeds their worship style. This legislation brings much-needed legitimate freedom and is to be welcomed.”

At its February meeting, the General Synod voted strongly in support of changes allowing churches in group ministry to rotate services without explicit permission.

Existing legislation had required that Morning and Evening Prayer be said each day in every church and Holy Communion be held each week in every church.

Under the new legislation, the same services need only be held in one church within a benefice, at the same regularity.

There are numerous multi-parish benefices in Devon. The largest has 17 parishes in it.