Following the announcement of the appointment of Neil Warwick—currently Archdeacon of Bristol—to be Bishop of Swindon, and also the beginning of the implementation of 'Transforming Church. Together', the Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol, is very pleased to announce that Revd Becky Waring has been appointed as the Acting Archdeacon of Bristol and Revd Adam Beaumont as the new Associate Archdeacon across the Archdeaconries of Bristol and Malmesbury. Bishop Viv says:
“I am proud that the Diocese of Bristol has two such able and experienced priests who are able to join the Archdeacon team. Their evident skills will be invaluable both in the parishes and communities of the diocese and in the Bishop’s staff team.”
Revd Becky Waring began her formative career in the private, voluntary and charity sectors, where her roles have always involved enabling and equipping people. She has 20 years of parish ministry experience, in lay, self-supporting and incumbent capacities. As Adviser for Lay Ministry, with the Diocese of Bristol, she developed the selection and formation processes for Licensed Lay Ministry, and undertook the role of Warden of Readers. She studied an MA in Christian Approaches to Leadership, and has been a member of the team that offers conflict transformation development and mediation across the Diocese. Most recently, Becky has held posts of Vicar of St Martin's Knowle, Area Dean of Bristol South and Bishop’s Adviser for the national selection panels for ordained ministry. Becky says:
“I am delighted to take on the role of Acting Archdeacon of Bristol, a city in which I was 'born and bred' and which I love. I believe that the parish church is a wonderful connecting point where people can discover what it is to follow Jesus, serve others and transform their communities. I look forward to working with clergy and local church leadership in ways that I hope will enable joy in their ministry and fulfilment in their vocations, as together we bring the message to the city that God is here with us. I particularly look forward to the ongoing development of 'Transforming Church. Together', and the ways it will revitalise our churches.”
Revd Adam Beaumont’s ministry has seen him leading suburban, small town, and rural churches, particularly in contexts which are active in mission across parish boundaries. Prior to ordination, he had careers in biochemical research and secondary school teaching and has served young people and education through his previous role as Deanery Missioner for Schools Children and Families, and more recently as Chair of the Diocesan Board of Education. He is particularly passionate about supporting and developing members of the clergy in a number of diverse ways, such as leading the team of deliverance ministers and as Bishop’s Advisor for Selection. Adam says:
“I am both thrilled and deep with gratitude to be joining the archidiaconal team. Having already lived in six of the seven deaneries, I can’t wait to get out and about meeting more people and seeing yet another view of our life together as a diocese. This is all the more exciting as we implement 'Transforming Church. Together', as I know I will get to see God working through our local churches in new and surprising ways.”
Becky and Adam take up their respective roles as the Acting Archdeacon of Bristol and the new Associate Archdeacon across the Archdeaconries of Bristol and Malmesbury on 1 December 2023. Neil will be consecrated as Bishop of Swindon at Canterbury Cathedral on 30 November 2023.