We’re delighted to share that, at last week’s Diocesan Synod, Revd Angie Smith was elected as Chair of the House of Clergy, as Revd Canon Andrew Micklefield has stepped down after years of service. Instead he takes on the role of clergy representative on Bishop’s Council, along with Revd Sarah Yetman. Alastair Barron was re-elected Chair of the House of Laity. We’re incredibly grateful to them all!
Elections for the lay representatives on Bishop’s Council are currently underway, with voting closing on 29 November. The results from these elections will be announced on 3 December. We are very grateful for the eight candidates who are standing for these roles, who are prepared to volunteer their time and skills for Bishop’s Council.
As the new Chair of the House of Clergy, I hope to represent my fellow priest and clergy and those we pastor and serve in the governance of the diocese. We again find ourselves in difficult times but I am convinced that the local church that points to Jesus is the hope of the world.
Revd Angie Smith
It has been a particular joy and honour to serve as Chair of the House of Clergy for the past 9 years. It has always been my hope that we have a safe, open and transparent governing Synod and I do believe we have that. It has not been without its times of testing but always I have found the joy. Thank you to those who have served with me especially Ian Newman, Alison Coulter and Alastair Barron who have been great partners as Lay Chairs. My prayers go to Angie as she now she finds the joy – she will be fabulous!
Revd Canon Andrew Micklefield
Revd Canon Andrew Micklefield has served three trienniums as Chair of the House of Clergy since November 2015. As part of this role he has served on Bishop’s Council, something he will continue on as the newly elected clergy representative. Revd Andrew has given his time to various diocesan committees, such as Finance Committee, Diocesan Board of Education (a role he retains), and he has been part of the working groups, including those looking at the diocesan office and the care of clergy housing. Revd Andrew was integral in planning the 2024 Clergy Conference and has supported work on the 2026 event. His work is hugely appreciated, and we’re glad to say that Revd Andrew will remain on Diocesan Synod as a General Synod Representative.
It has been a real pleasure and honour to work alongside Andrew as Chair of the House of Clergy over the last 8 ½ years . He has helped guide us through times of celebration and joy, as well as periods of difficulty and challenge.
Throughout all this time he has remained cheerful, positive, and caring – never avoiding difficult conversations and issues, but always ensuring kindness is at the core.
As he hands over the Chair of the House of Clergy to Angie, we are delighted that our diocese will continue to benefit from his wisdom on Bishop’s Council, Diocesan Synod and General Synod.
Colin Harbidge
Overall, the election results for the Chairs of the Houses and Bishop’s Council were as follows:
- Elections of the Chairs of the Houses – The Revd Angie Smith was elected Chair of the House of Clergy. Mr Alastair Barron was elected Chair of the House of Laity
- Elections to Bishop’s Council – The two candidates who stood, The Revd Canon Andrew Micklefield and the Revd Sarah Yetman, were duly elected as clergy representatives.
All the papers from the last meeting of Diocesan Synod, as well as previous meetings, can be found here.
We’d like to take this opportunity to give a huge thanks to all those serving on Diocesan Synod, for giving their time, experience and wisdom to the vital work that is undertaken by Synod. We appreciate all they do to help shape the diocese and spread God’s love throughout our communities.
