Sally will take over from the Revd Susanna Gunner in November when Susanna moves fully to her new role as Diocesan Discipleship and Spirituality Adviser.
The ministry of the Bishop’s Chaplain is essentially to enable the ministry of the Bishop. The role involves supporting the Bishop through prayer and conversation, careful administration and helping him to prepare for the wide variety of services and other events in his diary, for example through the creation of bespoke liturgies.
Sally was until recently the Team Rector of Dereham and District and is the Chair of the House of Clergy in the Diocese. She has served in the Diocese for 17 years, having previously been the first woman Anglican chaplain to serve in the Royal Navy.
Speaking about the appointment, Bishop Graham said:
“I am delighted that Sally has agreed to be my chaplain for the early years of my time in Norwich. I was keen to appoint someone who knows the Diocese well, has the trust of the clergy, and would bring wisdom and discernment. Sally has fulfilled all of these aspects, not least with her experiences of being a parish priest and Chair of the House of Clergy. I look forward to our partnership in the Gospel.”
The Revd Canon Sally Theakston said:
“I felt surprised but honoured to be invited to become Chaplain to the Bishop of Norwich. I trust that my varied experience within the Diocese will equip me well to assist Bishop Graham as he begins his new ministry.”