A POPULAR priest who served as a rector for a church in Tolladine for more than a decade is set to be the next Archdeacon of Worcester.
The Bishop of Worcester Dr John Inge announced last week the Rev Canon Robert Jones, who is currently director of development for the Diocese of Worcester, will take on the prestigious role from November.
Since he was ordained in Worcester in 1980, Robert served as Vicar of St. Francis in Dudley for eight years and then as Rector of St. Barnabas with Christ Church in Tolladine for 14 years.
He was also Rural Dean of Worcester East, is a Canon of Worcester Cathedral and served as one of the diocesan representatives on General Synod, the church’s governing body for ten years.
Robert, who was appointed director of development in 2006 where he has been responsible for training of clergy and laity throughout the diocese, said he was looking forward to taking on his new role later this year.
“As director of development, I’ve got to know clergy and laity from all corners of Worcestershire and Dudley and know that there are some great initiatives happening as our churches reach out to their local communities,” he said.
“It’ll be great to get more involved in these at a local level, and be able to provide support and encouragement across the parishes of the Worcester Archdeaconry.”
Bishop John added: “Robert’s appointment was made with the unanimous recommendation of the advisory group set up to find the next Archdeacon of Worcester.
“He is a very gifted a well-loved priest who is very mission-minded and fulfils all the criteria of the role. At a time when we’ve had a number of senior appointments from outside the diocese, Robert’s appointment will help provide stability as we move forward as Kingdom People.”
Robert will be installed as the Archdeacon of Worcester during Evensong at Worcester Cathedral on Sunday, November 16 at 4pm.
