On 31 August, our present Diocesan Secretary Andrew Swithinbank retires from post .
Andrew has shaped and developed the role of Diocesan Secretary very effectively over his seven years in post, bringing gifts of financial and administrative understanding along with extensive experience of government, HR and Safeguarding, all of which have allowed us to operate as a modern diocese in the context of changing and challenging circumstances. Particularly notable was the funded ‘Growing Faith for Generations’ project, which, since its inception four years ago, continues to bring Christian ministry and teaching to young people through the structures of the Church of England. Among other achievements, Andrew was responsible for a successful bid for the funding of a Giving and Income Generation Officer. That appointment will be announced soon, and the person appointed will be taking on from Andrew much of the financial role.
I thank Andrew for all that he has done to support, sustain and develop our life as a Diocese over the past seven years, and, on behalf of all our parishes and congregations, I offer best wishes to Andrew and Jo as they embark upon retirement.
And it is now with great pleasure that I welcome Mr Tony Connell as our new Diocesan Secretary. Tony will be undertaking this role on a similar part-time and freelance basis. By way of introduction, Tony says:
Dear friends
I welcome this opportunity to introduce myself as your new Diocesan Secretary. Many members of the diocese have met me in my work as the Ecumenical Safeguarding Advisor – a role I will continue to undertake.
I am looking forward immensely to working with the leadership team of the diocese to translate the highest standards of effective management into the tangible manifestation of the living gospel – where parishes continue to reach out to those in need and where collaborating to care for others is built into the life, ministry and mission of all church activities.
I have witnessed incredibly impressive initiatives within parishes and at the Cathedral which have meaningfully engaged with the most vulnerable in our communities. I am looking forward to playing my part in celebrating and replicating such work as well as managing the challenges of enabling the Church to be sustainable in all places, for all people – a thriving and relevant Church which is at the heart of our Christian life and ministry here on the Isle of Man.
Please join me in praying for Tony as he prepares to take up his new appointment on 1 September.
+ Peter
