14 August 2017
- Photo: Revd Darren Miller
Canon Darren Miller, from Cheam in Surrey, has been announced as the new Archdeacon of Ashford. Darren will succeed The Venerable Philip Down who retires in October this year.
Darren will move into this senior position in Canterbury Diocese from his role as Team Rector for Cheam Parish in Southwark Diocese. Darren is also currently Area Dean of Sutton and an honorary Canon of Southwark Cathedral. He trained for ordained ministry at Chichester Theological College and at the College of the Resurrection in Mirfield. He served his curacies and first incumbency in Birmingham Diocese before making the move to Cheam.
Darren is married to Sue and they have two young children. Darren grew up in north Essex before studying Public Policymaking and Administration at Birmingham University. He later worked at the Church Commissioners before studying for ordination. Among other things, Darren enjoys family walks and following American Football.
“I am excited and honoured to be joining the Diocese of Canterbury as Archdeacon of Ashford,” said Darren. “This is a time of change and renewal for the Church and I am looking forward to working with the people of such a wide variety of churches as they work together to serve God and the people of South and East Kent. I am also looking forward to getting to know this part of the country a little better, not least because it is where many of my wife’s family come from.”
The Rt Revd Trevor Willmott, Bishop of Dover, welcomed Darren’s appointment, saying, “I am delighted that Darren will be joining the senior team here in Canterbury and I’m confident that he will be a huge asset to both the Diocese as a whole and to the local churches he will be working with.”
The timing of the family’s move has yet to be confirmed, but will probably take place at the end of 2017. Announcing Darren’s move from the Diocese of Southwark, The Venerable Chris Skilton, Archdeacon of Croydon, said: “This is a welcome recognition of Darren’s gifts in ministry. Please pray for Darren and Sue and the children at this time of approaching transition and change; for the parishes of the Ashford Archdeaconry as in due time they prepare to welcome them and for the ongoing life and ministry of Cheam Parish.”
The Archdeacon of Ashford is responsible for the Deaneries of Ashford, Dover, Romney and Tenterden, Elham, and Sandwich, supporting the clergy and communities in their care of God’s people. Together with the Archdeacons of Canterbury and Maidstone, he holds a senior position assisting the Bishop in leading the Diocese.
Notes:
- Darren is available for interview. Contact Anna Drew via adrew@diocant.org or 07753454586.