23 January 2017
Photo: Very Revd Jo Kelly-Moore (Centre)
The Very Revd Jo Kelly-Moore was installed as the new Archdeacon of Canterbury and Canon Residentiary of Canterbury Cathedral yesterday (22 January). Jo was welcomed into her new role during a special service at Canterbury Cathedral.
“It is a delight for me, and for my family, to be in Canterbury, the home of our Anglican Communion. We are very grateful for the warm welcome that we have received. Having enjoyed 16 years of ministry in the Diocese of Auckland I am looking forward, very much, to ministry amongst the people of Canterbury.” said Jo.
The Rt Revd Trevor Willmott, Bishop of Dover, welcomed Jo’s appointment to the role, saying: “I am delighted that Jo is coming to work with us here in Canterbury and I have no doubt that her experience and great talents will be of huge benefit, not just to the Canterbury Archdeaconry or cathedral, but to the whole Diocese.”
Until December 2016, Jo was Dean of Auckland, New Zealand, where she led a $14.9m project to complete and consecrate Holy Trinity Cathedral, as well as sustaining her involvement in the Diocese, as Deputy Vicar General, and in the civic life of Auckland. She moved into that role from being vicar at St Aidan’s Anglican Church, Remuera, a role that also involved serving as chaplain to Corran School for Girls. Before entering ordained ministry in 2000 Jo worked as a solicitor, both in New Zealand and in London. She met her British husband Paul when he was visiting New Zealand as a tourist. Paul currently works as Auckland Cathedral’s Pastoral Care Minister and they have two teenage sons, Adam and Nathan. The family moved to Canterbury on New Year’s Day.
The Rt Revd Ross Bay, Bishop of Auckland, was also in attendance on Sunday. “It was a joy and privilege to be able to present Archdeacon Jo as she begins her new ministry,” he said. “I know that Jo will bring the same enthusiasm, care and commitment to her work in Canterbury that she has demonstrated during her time as Dean of Auckland.”
“We look forward very much to the ministry of Archdeacon Jo in the Cathedral itself where she will have the role of one of the Residentiary Canons and take her part from time to time as Vice Dean,” added the Very Revd Dr Robert Willis, Dean of Canterbury. “She will bring a great sense of the wider Anglican Communion to the Cathedral in its role as Mother Church of the Communion and it will also be enjoyable having Jo, Paul, Adam and Nathan living in the Precincts.”
The Archdeacon of Canterbury is responsible for the Deaneries of Canterbury, Thanet, Reculver, East Bridge and West Bridge, supporting the clergy and communities in their care of God’s people. The Archdeacon is also a Residentiary Canon with a key role in the life of Canterbury Cathedral. Together with the Archdeacons of Ashford and Maidstone, she holds a senior position assisting the Bishop in leading the Diocese.
Jennifer Ross
ENDS