Muriel Robinson steps down as Chair of the Diocesan Board of Finance

It is with mixed emotions that Muriel Robinson has stepped down as Chair of the Diocesan Board of Finance (DBF).

As she does so, we reflect on her time with us and give tremendous thanks for her years of deep faithfulness, thoughtful leadership and values-led service. 

A journey of faith and service

Muriel had much early encouragement to give her gifts and talents towards enriching the life of the diocese, with an invitation to join the Board of Education in an official capacity back in 2003. 

The call to be involved stems from a life-long faith which, from her early teenage years, saw her persuaded to support the diversity of local parish life including singing in the choir, reading from the bible during services and assisting at Sunday school. 

Muriel holds a distinctive background in being formed through her work in education and governance, not least recognisable when she became principal and then Vice-Chancellor of Bishop Grosseteste University (now Lincoln Bishop University) in Lincoln.

In fact, she was awarded an OBE for services to higher education because of her dedication.

Leadership through change

Muriel holds broad experience as part of our shared diocesan education, governance and oversight activity. Her first foray into being a chair for us was with the Diocesan Board of Education in 2012. 

She was willing to step forward through periods of structural change and review, which eventually saw her invited to take on the role of Chair of the Diocesan Trust and Board of Finance, a role she has taken in her stride for over five years. 

Muriel describes a sense of stewardship that holds important responsibility. The Board of Finance sets the financial direction of the diocese and asks the important strategic questions that make us sustainable now and in the future. It ensures good governance and that there is accountability from all parties. It also works closely with diocesan leadership and has a wide overview of how any decision may affect the whole diocese.

Finance serving people

During her time as chair of the DBE, Muriel has played a part in making our financial situation more sustainable (which is always an ongoing project!).

She describes an encouraging, if small, shift towards more fruitful and generous giving, while helping people to understand more clearly why money matters for ministry and emphasising the continuing need to strengthen generous giving across the diocese.

She is also heartened by the gradual strengthening of collaboration across diocesan structures during her time here. Through it all, she has amplified the view that strategic management of the diocesan finances is crucial for mission and ministry – not an end in itself.

Muriel is delighted that she has been able to support and witness colleagues develop and thrive at the central office of the diocese, Edward King House.

“It’s been satisfying to see so many people around me develop and thrive. We’re fortunate to have a shared trust in each other and, during my time here, stronger relationships across the board.”

She has greatly valued and appreciated the shared unity between diocesan secretaries, senior clergy and various colleagues across departments. 

She knows none of these achievements could have happened without that shared unity.

Some of the achievements of the board as a whole during her time here include the creation of the Finance Committee and encouraging those with financial expertise from all walks of life to help the diocese, as well as an improved financial understanding and accountability.

Rooted in faith

Muriel’s approach has always been rooted in faith. She draws on Matthew 25 to describe how the board is tasked with trusted and fair stewardship of resources.

“I see finance as an important part of making the world more just and inclusive. We must journey towards a kingdom of justice, peace and fairness, and to care wisely for what God has placed in our hands.”

Her whole life has been one of the Spirit at work and accepting the call to serve in ways which have borne much fruit today. 

Looking ahead

A new chapter awaits Muriel – one of reflection, but also creativity and connection. She leaves with gratitude to all those who made her tenure so memorable and full of hope for the future. 

She is looking forward to having time to travel, has a room full of textiles so she can get absorbed in sewing and knitting, and is delighted to have more time to spend with friends and family. 

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