Bishop Graham wrote:
“I am keen that there is a period of discernment about the role of any future Archdeacon of Norwich and what else it might be linked with. To help with this, I am pleased to let you know that Canon Keith James has agreed to be seconded half-time during this year as Acting Archdeacon. He will continue to be Director of Ministry for the other half of his role, stepping back during this period from his role at the Cathedral. Keith will be well known to many of you, not least for his outstanding ministry of support during the pandemic.
“The Revd Linda Church, until recently the Director of Ministry in the Diocese of Ely, has accepted my invitation to be non-stipendiary Warden of Readers (LLMs) for an initial period of two years. Linda comes with a vast amount of experience and is really looking forward to working with the Deputy Warden and Sub-Wardens, as well as getting to know our LLMs. She will begin on 6 March and is generously offering the equivalent of two days per week.
“I am immensely grateful to Keith and Linda for agreeing to take on these roles and I commend them both to your prayers.”
Canon Keith James said:
“I am delighted to have been invited to be the interim Archdeacon of Norwich, in these exciting and challenging times.
“This is a wonderful archdeaconry full of faithful and gifted clergy, lay leaders, and congregations and I am looking forward to serving and getting to know them better as we discover what it means for us to be transformed by Christ to be prayerful, pastoral and prophetic communities.
“Please pray for me in the coming months – in the changes ahead and as I continue as Director of Ministry.”
Canon Linda Church said:
“I am hugely excited to be able to serve in the Diocese as Warden of Readers(Licensed Lay Ministers) for the coming two years.
“I am wholly committed to shared ministry, the flourishing of all lay ministries, and further growth in the ministry of Licensed Lay Ministers.”