Diocese of Chichester

Rebecca has worked for the Diocese of Chichester for over 16 years, serving first as Ministry Development Officer and then as Director for Apostolic Life for the past 10 years. Both roles focus on the encouragement and nurture of the whole people of God in their Christian discipleship. Rebecca has overseen the training and formation of generations of curates (newly ordained deacons and priests) within the diocese, many of whom continue to serve in parishes and posts across Sussex. The development of the wellbeing service for clergy and their households has reflected her emphasis on the importance of ongoing support for clergy.

Part of Rebecca’s ministry has also been to serve the wider Church of England at a national and regional level, particularly in the field of theological education and formation. Rebecca has been a Trustee and chaired the Board of Studies at St. Augustine’s College of Theology, our local theological college, with whom we partner for our curate training, in addition to training our readers and ordinands.

Rebecca said: ‘I have loved serving the Diocese of Chichester over the past 16 years, ministering alongside some wonderful colleagues at Church House, Hove, and members of the Senior Staff. In particular, working with Bishop Martin and the Apostolic Life team has been the greatest joy and privilege.’ 

At the end-of-year staff meeting at Church House, Rebecca was presented with gifts and flowers and a beautiful embroidered quilt handmade by her colleague Emma Snow with contributions from her Apostolic Life team colleagues. This was followed by a shared lunch and carols in St Leonard's Church Hove. 

Rebecca will leave just before Christmas. 

In an earlier announcement about Rebecca leaving, Bishop Martin said: "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."