Diocese of Chichester

Archdeacons are part of a team of senior clergy and laity led by the Bishop supporting the parishes and other work of the Diocese. Russell will support groups of parishes (deaneries) which make up the Hastings archdeaconry.

He studied physics in Oxford and, following work as an IT consultant, trained for ordination at Westcott House, Cambridge.

After a rural curacy on the Oxfordshire/Berkshire border he ministered in the city of Oxford and in Ewell, Surrey.

Russell then moved to the Diocese of Chichester in 2021 and has assisted parishes in vacancy around West Sussex. He has been one of the two acting Archdeacons of Chichester since January as he completes a Doctorate in Anglican canon law.

He lives with his wife and son, both of whom regularly beat him at tennis!

Russell said today: "It has been a wonderful experience to be Acting Archdeacon here in West Sussex and I look forward to getting to know the clergy, churchwardens, parishes, schools, and chaplaincies of Hastings Archdeaconry. We know there are many challenges but also many opportunities for the Church today, and I pray that my work as archdeacon may help to ‘equip the saints for the work of ministry’ as together we seek to serve God in East Sussex."

The Bishop welcomed the appointment and said today: "Those who interviewed Russell for this post saw in him the qualities of a pastor and a wise guide who would make the kind of archdeacon that we look for today.

He added:" I am delighted that Russell has accepted the invitation to become part of the team of archdeacons here. His human sympathy, spiritual discipline, and knowledge of ecclesiastical law will be instructive to all of us who serve priests and people in the parishes of this household of faith."

For further information please contact Russell: Russell.Dewhurst@Chichester.Anglican.Org