Diocese of Chichester

Rebecca says:
‘I’ve been extraordinarily fortunate to have served the Diocese of Chichester as Director for Apostolic Life for the past 10 years and for the previous 6 years as Ministry Development Officer. Working with Bishop Martin, other senior staff and the Apostolic Life team has been the greatest joy and privilege. 

At the heart of this ministry throughout the 16 years has been my oversight of the formation and training of our curates, working collaboratively with Bishop Martin and training incumbents in the encouragement and equipping of newly ordained deacons and priests – drawn from across the theological traditions - to grow into the clergy God has called them to be through his Church. 

The difficult decision to step down from my post has been in response to my discernment of God’s call for the next stage in my diaconal ministry. I hope this will include a greater amount of time and space to do some writing and I’m sure that teaching will also feature in some form. Whilst I greatly enjoy the multi-tasking and creativity which are part of my diocesan role, I recognise that I also need to care for myself a bit better – advice I regularly give to other people!’ 

Bishop Martin says: "Deacon Rebecca Swyer has served the diocese of Chichester in an exceptional way. She has formed generations of clergy in pastoral life and ministerial holiness, she has represented the diocese in bodies that oversee theological endeavour, she has promoted the role of women in lay and ordained ministry. She has been an amazing colleague: full of insight and with a wickedly lively sense of humour. We have all been enriched by her for the long-term and words will not be adequate to express our thanks."

Making the announcement now enables us to advertise and interview for Rebecca’s successor, with the hope that there can be a smooth handover in December.

Please join us in prayer for Rebecca and her family and for the search for her successor.