The Bishop of Chichester, Dr Martin Warner, has today announced the appointment of The Reverend Emma Ham-Riche, Priest-in-charge of St John’s Preston and Rural Dean of Brighton, to the new additional post of non-stipendiary Associate Archdeacon for Diversity and Inclusion.
Dr Warner today explained the background to this new and exciting appointment:
“Together with episcopal and archidiaconal colleagues, I am delighted to announce the establishment of a new, non-stipendiary post of Associate Archdeacon for Diversity and Inclusion, and to announce the appointment to that post of the Reverend Emma Ham-Riche, Vicar of St John’s Preston and Rural Dean of Brighton.
“This Associate Archdeacon will assist the bishops and archdeacons in monitoring the concerns of those who have particular needs and often feel themselves to be unrepresented in the decision-making forums of this diocese.
“Bishops and archdeacons will share with the Associate Archdeacon, by formal delegation, their responsibility for identifying and addressing these concerns but they cannot and will not abandon it.
“As a member of the Bishop’s Staff Meeting (BSM) the Associate Archdeacon will be expected to report and to invite others to report on the matters that are the focus of this post. But the pastoral and missional concern for the inclusion and dignity of all God’s children remains an obligation that is intrinsic to every form of ordained ministry.
“At present diocesan officers focus on race, LGBTIQ+ needs, and disability which includes recognition of neuro-diverse needs. The Dean of Women’s Ministry, the work of Youth leaders, and our Education team would also inform the oversight of this Associate Archdeacon.