The Venerable Andrew Sewell, Archdeacon of Maidstone, has announced his intention to retire on 18 January 2025. He has served in this role initially acting in an acting capacity since 2019, and has previously been Priest in Charge, Rector, Area Dean and Honorary Cathedral Canon in the Diocese.
There will be an opportunity for the Diocese to say farewell to Andrew and his wife Jools at Canterbury Cathedral on 12 January 2025 or in Maidstone on 14 January (full details below).
Speaking of his time in the Diocese, Archdeacon Andrew said: "Where did 26 years go? I've served in the Diocese of Canterbury in a variety of roles since 1998. I've worked with some wonderful people, and been part of the best teams of my life, and learnt more than I could possibly say. Jools and I will miss Kent terribly, but it is time to move on. You will remain in our prayers from Norfolk, and we'd value your prayers as we find out what God has in store for the next chapter of our lives."
The Rt Revd Rose Hudson-Wilkin, Bishop of Dover, reflected on the impact Andrew has made in the Diocese. “Andrew has served faithfully in our diocese for 26 years, leading at a parish, deanery and archdeaconry level. His time serving the people in the Maidstone area is marked by his passion for prayer and for seeing more people become changed by the love of Christ. I am sure I speak for many when I say he has left a legacy of faithful service to be proud of.”
The Most Revd and Rt Hon Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury said: “I am deeply grateful to Andrew for his faithfulness to the people of this Diocese and in particular to the people in the Archdeaconry of Maidstone. It was a particular joy to spend Holy Week in Maidstone earlier this year and see the fruitfulness of Andrew’s leadership in the church in the area. May he and his family be assured of our prayers as they move into this next stage of their lives.”
Iain Blythe, Diocesan Secretary, expressed his gratitude “I would like to thank Andrew for his help as I have settled into life in this diocese. It is no small task to come into a tight-knit team and Andrew's friendship, help, guidance and sense of fair play has been invaluable to me during this time.”
The Venerable Darren Miller, Archdeacon of Ashford added, "It has been a delight working alongside Andrew as archdeacon, especially as he never sought to be one! He has shared a love of God and a desire to serve His people, even if it takes Andrew outside his comfort zone. As a colleague, he has brought insight, humanity, a deep faith, a real knowledge of the diocese and its people – and humour. I should like to thank him for his collegiality, friendship and insight, as well as the real difference he has made."
About Archdeacon Andrew
Andrew Sewell was ordained deacon in 1993 and priested in 1994. Having served his curacy in the Diocese of Ripon and Leeds, he also became Assistant Diocesan Missioner for the diocese in 1996.
In 1998, he Jools and their three girls moved to Kent, as he took up the post of Priest in Charge of Otham with Langley becoming Rector of the parish in 2001. He stayed within the Maidstone area to become Priest in Charge of St Paul’s Maidstone in 2010 and served as Area Dean for the Maidstone Deanery for ten years.
Alongside those roles over the years, he has served as Bishop Graham’s Chaplain and Board of Mission Secretary, on Archbishop’s Council, the Local Church Development Framework and the Canterbury Leadership Programme team. In 2011 he become an Honorary Canon of Canterbury Cathedral, a position he held until he became the Archdeacon of Maidstone in 2020.
Farewell services
What: Epiphany Carol Service including marking the retirement of The Archdeacon of Maidstone
Where: Canterbury Cathedral
When: Sunday 12 January, 17:30
RSVP: This service is open to all and no booking is required. No robing for clergy please.
What: Worship and drinks/nibbles
When: Tuesday 14 January, 19:00-21:00
Where: St Nicholas Church, Poplar Grove, Allington, Maidstone, ME16 0DE
RSVP: by 8 January to Archdeacon’s PA Lynn - lbourne@diocant.org