Lucy Harrison
Archdeacon Nicky preached at the Safeguarding Sunday service at Ashbourne on Sunday 18 November 2024
As we gather here today on this Safeguarding Sunday, our hearts and minds can’t help but be troubled and heavy in the light of the findings of the Makin Report. We are shocked and disturbed by the long-maintained conspiracy of silence about the heinous abuses of John Smyth. We are ashamed of the institutional failures of the Church of England and many of its senior clergy.
As Archbishop Justin has resigned and prepares to step down, we can’t help but wonder what comes next? How will we continue to learn from the mistakes of the past? What might the future of the Church look like?
The prophet Jeremiah tells us that God’s plan is always to give us a future and a hope. The two Bible readings we’ve read today help us to think about what that future and that hope might look like and how we might contribute to bringing God’s plans and purposes to fruition.
God’s desire is that all people might know his love and come to live within his kingdom. The kingdom of God which is good news for all. The way into that kingdom is open for all who will enter by putting their faith and trust in Jesus, the one who died that we might have life.
In our liturgy, we sometimes talk about Jesus’ death as opening his arms for us upon the cross – a gesture of welcome, invitation and drawing us in. When you watch a priest presiding at the eucharist, the sleeves of our vestments look very much like wings. That is imagery which the psalmist picks up in our first reading today, Psalm 91:1-4.
God offers us the opportunity to live within his kingdom, to find shelter under his protection. To lean upon his strength, and rest in the shadow of his wings, to be truly and deeply safe and secure. God’s kingdom sets us free from anything that would enslave us as God’s perfect love casts out our fear and helps us grow into wholeness and fullness of life. God’s desire for us is that we will flourish and thrive and become the people we were created to be.
Our Diocesan Vision is nothing less than a vision of the kingdom of God. In our different roles and responsibilities, we are seeking to be good news for all the people God sends our way. In all our churches across the diocese, we are creating safe spaces where people can flourish and thrive and live out their God-given calling. Knowing that we are loved beyond measure by God in Christ, we are learning to love without measure or restraint.
As we reflect on the faithfulness of God and remember with gratitude all he has done for us, our love for him grows, our relationship with him deepens and that love overflows into service of our local contexts. And when we see things around us that are not how God wants them to be we try and find a way to speak out and challenge injustice. And as we do that, other people are impacted and affected and we pray that as they encounter Christ in us and between us and through us, that they too will become disciples and their lives are transformed by Christ.
Today as we gather, it is good to remember that the work we do in safeguarding is absolutely central to all we are and do and to helping our churches reflect the life, values and vision of God’s kingdom.
Thank you for the part that you are playing. It is good that our amazing safeguarding team are here today and we thank God for the faithful and diligent way in which they serve us. But, as we all know, safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility- though without some really committed volunteers who are willing to devote their time, energy and focus their ministry around this area, our churches would be less safe and people would be at risk.
The work that our churches are doing in safeguarding is often unseen and unnoticed. No-one knows how much time is spent updating Parish dashboards. No-one (other than our trainer Nick Harding) sees the thousands of individuals sitting on their laptops completing their training. No-one is there in the middle of the night when you can’t get to sleep because something traumatic has occurred and you’ve been part of the Case Management Meeting trying to find ways of moving forward.
But God sees all those things. His arms of love surround and enfold you, his wings are spread over you giving you protection and shade. His strength helps you to stand and be strong. He catches your tears in a bottle and treasures it for ever. So you are never on your own – God is always with you and has promised to never leave or forsake you. His grace is sufficient, his power is perfected in weakness and his mercies are new every morning for great is his faithfulness. And can I encourage you to allow our Safeguarding team to help and support you too for that is what they are there for. And as well as that professional help and support, can I encourage you to offer peer support to one another through the PSO network and make the most of the resources available to you.
Part of being human is accepting that no-one is perfect, we are all fallen, we all make mistakes, we all need help and we all need God’s forgiveness. As we remember with gratitude all who work within our churches supporting the work of Safeguarding, we pray for the ways in which we as individuals, and our Church as an institution, has failed in our duty to protect people. And failed in our calling to love as we have been loved and provide a safe place for all to thrive. We need to learn from those failures and do everything in our power to move forward in the way God wants us to be.
For those who have been the cause of pain, we pray that the love of God will show them the error of their ways and grant them the grace to repent and change, and opportunities to atone and make amends, where that is appropriate and possible. And for all perpetrators we ask that God will convict them of their sin and change their hearts.
And as we close, I invite you to hold before God all survivors and especially those who have suffered as a result of the failings of our Church. Each one is a unique individual made in God’s image, known and loved by God, infinitely precious and treasured by him. Let us commit ourselves to praying for them, for their healing and protection and that they might encounter the love of God and find safety in the shadow of his wings.
15 November
The Revd Max Marsh, Assistant Curate of St Mary the Virgin Lewisham, Diocese of Southwark, has been appointed Priest-in-Charge of Ilkeston Holy Trinity and of Long Eaton St. Laurence, Diocese of Derby.
The Revd Charlotte Wallington, Assistant Curate of Hathersage with Bamford & Derwent and Grindleford, Diocese of Derby, has been appointed Priest-in-Charge of Wickham Market with Pettistree, Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich.
14 November
The Revd Adele Barker, Bishop’s Chaplain, has been appointed Interim Chaplain to Retired Clergy in the Archdeaconry of Derby City and South Derbyshire, until such time as a permanent appointment is made.
7 November
The Revd Onyekachi (Julius) Anozie, Assistant Curate of Kirk Hallam, Diocese of Derby, has been appointed Vicar of St Hilda Ashford, Diocese of London. Julius will be licensed to his new post on 16th December, 2024.
The Revd Canon Peter Jenner, Curate of Upperby St John The Baptist (Carlisle) 1985-1988, Chaplain of the University of Reading (Oxford) 1988-1996, Priest-in-Charge of Mellor St Thomas (Derby) 1996-1999, Vicar of the same benefice 1999-2006, Vicar of Mellor St Thomas (Chester) 2006-2012, Rural Dean of Chadkirk 2008-2011, Senior Chaplain and Dean of Chapel at the University of Chester 2012-2022, Canon Residentiary of Chester Cathedral 2012-2015, who retired in 2022, and held the Bishop of Derby’s Permission To Officiate, died on Friday 1st November 2024. Funeral details will follow in due course.
The Revd Simon White, Curate of Chadkirk St Chad (Chester) 1990-1994, School Chaplain Stockport Grammar 1994-1999, Curate of Stockport St George 1994-1995, Team Vicar of Stockport South West 1995-1999, Priest-in-Charge of Stanley All Saints and St Andrew (Derby) 1999-2002, Priest-in-Charge of West Hallam and Mapperley 1999-2002, Rector of West Hallam and Mapperley with Stanley 2002-2013, Vicar of Tideswell 2013-2023, who retired in 2023, died on Saturday 2nd November 2024. A service of thanksgiving will be held in the New Year.
The Dioceses of Derby and Southwell & Nottingham are committed to becoming greener, net zero carbon dioceses as they respond to the fifth mark of mission, to strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth. The post-holder will collaborate with existing and yet-to-be-appointed officers within a new ‘buildings for mission’ team within the Department Mission, Evangelism & Parish Revitalisation (Diocese of Derby) to support, enable, and release resources to empower churches, schools, and other Christian communities to cherish creation through the reduction/ elimination of their carbon footprint.
The role of Fundraising Advisor will be vital in resource gathering; they will support parishes, schools & DBF Housing departments as well as the NZC Working Group in identifying and securing funds in a professional and coordinated manner. The post holder will work equally across both dioceses, supervised by the NZC Programme Manager (Diocese of Derby). The role is open to either lay or ordained applicants.
Salary: £30,000 - £35,000 depending on experience
Working hours: 35 hours (full time)
Duration: 2 year fixed term
Closing date: 17 November 2024
Interview date: W/C 25 November 2024
The Diocese of Derby is committed to becoming a greener, net diocese as it responds to the fifth mark of mission, to strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth. The postholder will work in collaboration with existing and yet to be appointed officers within a new ‘buildings for mission’ sub-team within the Department of Discipleship, Mission & Ministry to facilitate smooth administration and communication which will resource churches, schools and other Christian communities to cherish creation through the reduction/ elimination of their carbon footprint.
The role of Project Administrator will support the Parish Energy Advisory Team (PEAT) in all administration and document management and be supervised by the NCZ Programme Manager. The role is open to either lay or ordained applicants.
Salary: £15,000 per annum
Working hours: 21 hours per week (part time)
Duration: Fixed term for 2 years
Application Pack (pdf)
Application Form (word)
Closing Date: 17 November 2024
Interview Date: W/C 25 November 2024
31 October 2024
The Revd Samantha (Sam) Tredwell, Vicar of Long Eaton St John, Diocese of Derby, has been appointed Vicar of St Mary with Christ Church and Holy Apostles, Diocese of York.
25 October 2024
The Revd Mick Fitzsimmons, Assistant Curate of Barlborough and Clowne, has been appointed Team Vicar in Leek and Meerbrook, Diocese of Lichfield.
17 October 2024
The Revd Canon Christine (Chris) Dyer has stepped down as Chaplain to Retired Clergy in the Archdeaconry of Derby City and South Derbyshire. Chris will continue to hold the Bishop of Derby’s Permission to Officiate. Details of interim arrangements will follow in due course.
The Revd Anita Matthews will be licensed as Priest-in-Charge (Vicar designate) of Derby St Peter and Christ Church with Holy Trinity, Diocese of Derby, on Sunday, 24 November at 2pm at St Peter’s Derby by the Bishop of Repton assisted by the Archdeacon of Derby City and South Derbyshire.
26 September
The Revd Gillian (Gill) Manley, Vicar of Blackwell with Tibshelf, Diocese of Derby, has announced her retirement. Gill’s last day in post will be 28th February, with her retirement taking effect from 1st March, 2025.
12 September
The Revd Anita Matthews, Assistant Curate (Associate Priest) of Derby St Peter and Christ Church with Holy Trinity, Diocese of Derby, has been appointed Priest-in-Charge (Vicar designate) of the same benefice.
The Revd Catrin Hubbard, Student Missioner (Assistant Curate) in the parish of Derby St John the Evangelist, Diocese of Derby, recently married and will be known as Catrin Engh with immediate effect. Her contact details remain the same.
The Revd Catherine (Cathie) Watson will be licensed as Assistant Curate of Allestree St Edmund and Darley Abbey, of Allestree St Nicholas and of Quarndon, Diocese of Derby, on Tuesday, 15tOctober 2024 at The Hayes Conference Centre, Swanwick, by the Bishop of Repton.
5 September
The funeral of the Revd Canon Martin Hulbert, who died on Sunday, 25 August 2024, will take place on Tuesday, 24 September 2024 at 11 am at St Mary’s church, Wirksworth.
The funeral of the Revd Michel Rogers, who died on Wednesday, 14 August 2024, will take place on Thursday, 3 October 2024 at 2 pm at All Saints Aston-on-Trent.
19 August
The Revd Michel Rogers, Curate of Roehampton Holy Trinity (Southwark) 1985-1988, Vicar of Ryhill St James (Wakefield) 1988-1994, Vicar of South Elmsall St Mary the Virgin 1994-2000, who retired in 2000 and held the Bishop of Derby’s Permission to Officiate, died on Wednesday, 14 August, 2024. Details of the funeral will be announced once confirmed.
15 August
The Revd Derek Honour, Vicar of Derby St Barnabas, Diocese of Derby, has announced his retirement. Derek’s last day in post will be Tuesday, 1 October 2024, with his retirement taking effect from Wednesday, 2 October 2024.
The Revd Joanna (Jo) Honour will be licensed as part-time Priest-in-Charge of Crich and South Wingfield, Diocese of Derby, on Wednesday, 2 October 2024 at 7pm at St Mary’s Crich by the Bishop of Repton assisted by the Archdeacon of East Derbyshire.
The Revd Catherine (Cathie) Watson will be licensed as Assistant Curate of Allestree St Edmund and Darley Abbey, of Allestree St Nicholas and of Quarndon, Diocese of Derby, on Friday, 20 September at 11am at Derby Church House by the Bishop of Repton.
8 August
The Revd Ernest Buckley, Curate of Rochdale (Manchester) 1955-1958, Vicar of Hey 1958-1964, Vicar of Baguley 1964-1979, Vicar of Clun with Chapel Lawn, Bettws-y-Crwyn and Newcastle (Herford) 1979-1987, Rural Dean of Clun Forest 1982-1987, who retired in 1988, and more recently lived in the Diocese of Derby, died on Thursday, 23 May, 2024. His funeral took place on Friday, 14 June 2024 at St James’ Brassington.
The Revd Joanna (Jo) Honour, Chaplain to HMP Sudbury, Diocese of Derby, has been appointed part-time Priest-in-Charge of Crich and South Wingfield in the same diocese.
The Revd Peter Jackson, Assistant Curate of All Saints Torre and Torquay St John, and of Torquay St Luke, Diocese of Exeter, has been appointed Priest-in-Charge of Derby St Bartholomew and St Luke, with responsibility for Derby St Luke, Diocese of Derby..Peter will be licensed on Tuesday, 8 October at 7pm at St Luke’s Derby by the Bishop of Derby assisted by the Archdeacon of Derby City and South Derbyshire.
The Revd Catherine (Cathie) Watson, Assistant Curate of Derby St Werburgh’s BMO, Diocese of Derby, will transfer her curacy and become Assistant Curate of Allestree St Edmund and Darley Abbey, of Allestree St Nicholas and of Quarndon in the same diocese.
To download a copy of this years event list please follow the link below
30 May
The Revd Katrina Jenkins will be licensed as Priest-in-Charge of Matlock, St Giles and Dethick Lea and Holloway, Diocese of Derby, on Saturday, 13 July 2024 at 2pm at St Giles Matlock by the Bishop of Derby, assisted by the Archdeacon of Derbyshire Peak and Dales.
The Revd Lisa Price will start in the post as Assistant Curate of Hope, Castleton and Bradwell, Diocese of Derby, on Saturday, 29 June 2024, the day of her priesting at Derby Cathedral.
23 May
The Revd Claire Mitchell, who holds the Bishop of Derby’s Permission to Officiate, has been appointed Assistant Curate of Amington, Diocese of Birmingham.
The Revd Nicholas Radford-Powell, Assistant Curate in the Buxton with Burbage and King Sterndale Team Ministry, Diocese of Derby, will transfer his curacy and become Assistant Curate in the Wirksworth Team Ministry within the same diocese. Nicholas will start in his new post on Saturday, 29 June 2024, the day of his priesting at Derby Cathedral.
16 May
The Revd Elizabeth (Liz) England, Rector of Buxton with Burbage and King Sterndale Team Ministry, Diocese of Derby, has been appointed Incumbent of the Rural Daneside parishes, Diocese of Chester.
The Venerable Matthew Trick will be collated as Canon Residentiary at Derby Cathedral, Diocese of Derby, on Sunday 2nd June at 5.15 pm by the Bishop of Derby and installed by the Dean of Derby (amended 23 May)
The Revd Alan Winfield will be licensed as Assistant Curate (Associate Priest-SSM) of Melbourne, Smisby, Stanton-by-Bridge and Ticknall, Diocese of Derby, on Monday 17th June at 2 pm at Repton House by the Bishop of Repton.
9 May
The Revd Stephen Monk, Rector of Darley, South Darley and Winster, Diocese of Derby, has also been appointed Priest-in-Charge of Matlock Bath and Cromford in the same diocese. Stephen was licensed on Sunday 5th May 2024 by the Bishop of Repton at Holy Trinity Matlock Bath.
The Revd Anne Stratton, Vicar of Belper St Peter, Diocese of Derby, has announced her retirement. Anne’s last day in post will be 11th October with her retirement taking effect from 12th October 2024.
28 March 2024
The Revd Aron Donaldson, previously Assistant Curate of The Corby Glen Parishes, Diocese of Lincon, will be licensed as Hospital Chaplain at University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust, within the Diocese of Derby, on Tuesday, 9 April 2024 at 5pm in the Bishop’s Chapel Duffield by the Bishop of Derby.
The Revd Margaret Slyfield’s licensing as Assistant Curate (Associate Priest-SSM) in the parishes of Chelmorton, Earl Sterndale and Taddington, within the benefice of The White Peak Group, Diocese of Derby, was postponed from Sunday, 14 January 2024. Margaret was licensed on Tuesday, 19 March 2024 at Repton House by the Bishop of Repton.
21 March 2024
The Revd Richard (Dick) Dove, Assistant Curate (Deanery Interim Minister-SSM) of the former deanery of Chesterfield (now part of North East Derbyshire), Diocese of Derby, has announced his retirement. Dick’s last day in post will be Monday, 1 April 2024, with his retirement taking effect from Tuesday, 2 April 2024.
The Revd John (Howard) Robson will be licensed as Priest-in-Charge of Fairfield, Peak Forest and Dove Holes, Diocese of Derby, on Friday, 24 May 2024 at 7.00 pm at St Peter’s Fairfield by the Bishop of Derby assisted by the Archdeacon of Derbyshire Peak and Dales.
The Revd Alan Winfield, Assistant Curate (SSM) of Melbourne, Smisby, Stanton-by-Bridge and Ticknall, Diocese of Derby, has been appointed Assistant Curate (Associate Priest-SSM) of the same benefice.
14 March 2024
The Revd Michael (Mike) Gilbert, Rector of Baslow and Eyam and Area Dean of Peak, Diocese of Derby, will resign as Area Dean of Peak on Sunday, 31 March 2024.
The Revd Dr David Mundy, Priest-in-Charge of Glossop, Diocese of Derby, has also been appointed Acting Area Dean of Peak. David will take up this appointment from Monday, 1 April 2024.
The Revd Emma Mallord, Assistant Curate in Littleover and Blagreaves, Diocese of Derby, has also been appointed Assistant Curate of Findern in the same diocese. Emma will start in her new post on Saturday, 29 June 2024, the day of her priesting at Derby Cathedral.
The Revd Frank Startin, Assistant Curate (Associate Priest-SSM) of Stapenhill Immanuel, Diocese of Derby, has announced his retirement. Frank’s last day in post will be Sunday, 31 March 2024 with his first day of retirement being Monday, 1 April 2024.
7 March 2024
The Revd Adele Barker, interim Priest-in-Charge of the White Peak Group and interim Priest-in-Charge of Youlgreave, Middleton, Stanton-in-Peak and Birchover, Diocese of Derby, has been appointed Chaplain to the Bishop of Derby in the same diocese. Adele will start in post on Wednesday, 1 May 2024, being licensed on Thursday, 9 May 2024 by the Bishop of Derby.
The Revd Sam Mackie, Assistant Curate of Swadlincote and Hartshorne, of Newhall and of Gresley (known as Swadlincote Minster), Diocese of Derby, will transfer their curacy and become Assistant Curate in the East Scarsdale Team Ministry in the same diocese. Sam will be licensed on Tuesday 26th March at 6.30 pm at Repton House by the Bishop of Repton.
