WORCESTERSHIRE vicars are delighted after being appointed as new area deans in the diocese.
The vicar of St Stephen’s Church in Redditch, Paul Lawlor, has been made the area dean for Redditch and Bromsgrove.
Dianne Cooksey, the vicar of St Nicholas in Warndon, has been made the Worcester dean.
And Mark Badger, the rector of Kempsey and Severn Stoke, the dean of Malvern and Upton.
Area deans will have a ministry of leadership and care in partnership with Bishop John, Bishop Martin and the archdeacons.
They will work to support clergy and laity by representing the parishes at meetings with the diocesan senior staff.
They will also share information with parishes to work together to build healthier and more sustainable churches across the diocese.
Rev Paul Lawlor said: “It is a privilege to be able to play a part in helping us to do this in Redditch and Bromsgrove.
“I also look forward to working alongside my area dean colleagues, our bishops and wider diocesan staff team.
“It will be exciting to see what God has for us.”
Rev Mark Badger said: “I am both humbled and excited to be asked to serve as Area Dean of Malvern and Upton.
“The new deanery is blessed with so many talented and faithful people and I look forward to working together with them as we seek to fulfil the deanery vision and grow together as Kingdom people.”
Bishop John Inge added: “These very gifted priests have been commended to me in a consultation I undertook with their colleagues.
“ I am very grateful to the for being willing to take on this crucial but demanding role.”
