Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
I am writing to let you know that I have appointed two part-time Acting Archdeacons of Norfolk whilst Archdeacon Steven Betts is on sick leave. They are Canon Simon Ward, Team Rector in the Great Yarmouth Team Ministry, who will be seconded half time from 20th November, and Canon Sally Theakston, Bishop’s Chaplain, who will be seconded for up to 2 days per week from 11th December.
Simon will focus on church buildings, parsonages and faculties. Sally will focus on working with Bishop Ian on appointments to vacant parishes. Archdeacon Keith James and Dean Andrew Braddock will cover clergy Ministerial Development Reviews. Bishop Ian will also be helping with any gaps.
I am grateful to Simon’s colleagues in the Great Yarmouth Team Ministry for enabling this secondment, and to The Revd David Wells who will become acting Rural Dean of Great Yarmouth Deanery during this period.
Please continue to use the archdeacon.norfolk@dioceseofnorwich.org email address and Graham Cossey will triage emails.
As we continue to pray for Archdeacon Steven and his family, please also pray for Simon, Sally and David as they take up these additional responsibilities.
With all good wishes.
+Graham