Canterbury Diocese is split into three Archdeaconries - Canterbury, Ashford and Maidstone - and each Archdeaconry comprises five deaneries.
Archdeacons are senior clergy who, along with the Bishop of Dover, are part of the Episcopal Staff Team of the Diocese.
Our archdeacons take particular responsibility for the welfare of clergy and their families, for church buildings and for the growth of our mission and ministry within their archdeaconries. They play a significant role in the appointment, oversight and pastoral care of our clergy; they induct and install ministers, conduct visitations of parishes, and care for Churchwardens in their office. They also provide advice and support for lay ministers and church officers regarding mission, ministry, church fabric, faculties, pastoral re-organisation, parsonages and church buildings.
Maidstone Archdeaconry
Following the retirement of the Ven Andrew Sewell as the Archdeacon of Maidstone, the Bishop of Dover has appointed The Revd Canon Sharon Copestake as Interim Archdeacon until the process of appointing someone to the substantive post is complete. Sharon will be supported in this role by The Revd Richard Braddy who will offer time as Associate Archdeacon while remaining as the Bishop’s Chaplain.
Details of arrangements are outlined below:
Interim Archdeacon of Maidstone – The Revd Sharon Copestake – Sharon will oversee all Archdeaconry matters and particularly support Maidstone, North Downs, Ospringe & Weald Deaneries
Associate Archdeacon – The Revd Richard Braddy – Richard will assist Sharon and particularly support Sittingbourne Deanery. Richard also remains Chaplain to the Bishop of Dover.
PA Support – Lynn Bourne
All enquiries relating to the Archdeaconry are to be directed in the first instance to:
archdeacon.maidstone@diocant.org
01622 934449
The Venerable Darren Miller
The Archdeaconry
Pett Lane
Charing
Ashford TN27 0DL
01233 712649
darren.miller@archdeacashford.org
Ashford Archdeaconry includes the deaneries of:
- Ashford
- Dover
- Elham
- Romney
- Sandwich
- Vineyard
Louise Mills
PA to Archdeacon of Ashford
Lmills@archdeacashford.org
Archdeacon of Canterbury
The Venerable Will Adam
The Archdeaconry
29 The Precincts
Canterbury
CT1 2EP
01227 473597
archdeacon-canterbury@diocant.org
Canterbury Archdeaconry includes the deaneries of:
- Canterbury
- East Bridge
- Reculver
- Stour Valley (previously West Bridge)
- Thanet
(Photo credit: Neil Vigers / ACO)
Caroline Hemington
PA to the Archdeacon of Canterbury
chemington@diocant.org