New Archdeacon of Hereford appointed

The Diocese of Hereford have announced that Canon Derek Chedzey is to become the next Archdeacon of Hereford.

Canon Derek is currently Head of Ministry Development and a member of the Bishop’s Staff at Bristol Diocese and Residentiary Canon in Bristol Cathedral (Diocesan Canon). He also carries out an unpaid parish priest role as a Self-Supporting Minister in Yate.
 
His appointment follows the announcement that the current Archdeacon of Hereford, the Venerable Paddy Benson is to retire at the end of August.
 
The Bishop of Hereford, the Rt Revd Richard Frith welcomed the appointment and said: “I am delighted that Derek will be joining us as Archdeacon of Hereford. 
 
“Derek brings a strong combination of faith, wisdom, experience and enthusiasm. He will be a key person in helping us live out our vision.
 
“I very much look forward to working with him.”
 
In his current role Canon Derek oversees the training and professional development of clergy and Readers, but originally started out working in a bank before training part time for the Church. He then went on to further and extended fulltime study.
 
Speaking of his appointment, Canon Derek said: “I’m thrilled to be taking up the role of Archdeacon of Hereford and to be working with the people of the Diocese as disciples and partners in the Gospel.
 
“My vision is to see people come to a living faith in Jesus Christ and our churches whatever their size growing and flourishing as signs of the Kingdom and beacons in the world.  I truly believe the local church is the hope of the world.”
 
The new Archdeacon will be focused on empowering our church members to Proclaim Christ and Grow Disciples and to live out the Diocesan Shared Priorities in their church communities. As a member of Bishop’s Staff he has a particular emphasis on supporting parishes in the Hereford Archdeaconry.
 
Hereford will be the fourth diocese that Canon Derek has been called to serve in. He was ordained in Oxford Diocese before moving to Exeter and Bristol dioceses. His local connections include a great grandmother who came from Fownhope.
 
Derek will be moving to Hereford with his wife Claire and it is anticipated he will start in the new role in September. 
 
Rt Revd Lee Rayfield, Bishop of Swindon and Acting Bristol Diocesan Bishop said: “Canon Derek Chedzey is well known across the Diocese and during his many years here has helped shape and deliver some of our most fruitful ministerial initiatives.
 
“Derek will bring a huge amount of knowledge and experience to his role as Archdeacon of Hereford, as well as his deep desire to serve God and His people to the best of his abilities.
 
“We hold Derek and Claire in our prayers as they start this significant transition for them and for us.”
 
Canon Derek is currently Head of Ministry Development and a member of the Bishop’s Staff at Bristol Diocese and Residentiary Canon in Bristol Cathedral (Diocesan Canon). He also carries out an unpaid parish priest role as a Self-Supporting Minister in Yate.
 
His appointment follows the announcement that the current Archdeacon of Hereford, the Venerable Paddy Benson is to retire at the end of August.
 
The Bishop of Hereford, the Rt Revd Richard Frith welcomed the appointment and said: “I am delighted that Derek will be joining us as Archdeacon of Hereford. 
 
“Derek brings a strong combination of faith, wisdom, experience and enthusiasm. He will be a key person in helping us live out our vision.
 
“I very much look forward to working with him.”
 
In his current role Canon Derek oversees the training and professional development of clergy and Readers, but originally started out working in a bank before training part time for the Church. He then went on to further and extended fulltime study.
 
Speaking of his appointment, Canon Derek said: “I’m thrilled to be taking up the role of Archdeacon of Hereford and to be working with the people of the Diocese as disciples and partners in the Gospel.
 
“My vision is to see people come to a living faith in Jesus Christ and our churches whatever their size growing and flourishing as signs of the Kingdom and beacons in the world.  I truly believe the local church is the hope of the world.”
 
The new Archdeacon will be focused on empowering our church members to Proclaim Christ and Grow Disciples and to live out the Diocesan Shared Priorities in their church communities. As a member of Bishop’s Staff he has a particular emphasis on supporting parishes in the Hereford Archdeaconry.
 
Hereford will be the fourth diocese that Canon Derek has been called to serve in. He was ordained in Oxford Diocese before moving to Exeter and Bristol dioceses. His local connections include a great grandmother who came from Fownhope.
 
Derek will be moving to Hereford with his wife Claire and it is anticipated he will start in the new role in September. 
 
Rt Revd Lee Rayfield, Bishop of Swindon and Acting Bristol Diocesan Bishop said: “Canon Derek Chedzey is well known across the Diocese and during his many years here has helped shape and deliver some of our most fruitful ministerial initiatives.
 
“Derek will bring a huge amount of knowledge and experience to his role as Archdeacon of Hereford, as well as his deep desire to serve God and His people to the best of his abilities.
 
“We hold Derek and Claire in our prayers as they start this significant transition for them and for us.”