The Diocese of Bristol is delighted to share that the Revd Ruth Harding and the Revd Anton Campbell were licensed as Associate Priest in the benefice of Frenchay and Stapleton and as Interim Priest at Frenchay, respectively.
Ruth and Anton were licensed by the Rt Revd Neil Warwick, Bishop of Swindon in the presence of the Ven Christopher Bryan, Archdeacon of Malmesbury, at a service in Frenchay Parish Church on Sunday 23 February 2025.
Bishop Neil said: “It was a real joy to license Ruth and Anton and mark this exciting new chapter for the benefice of Frenchay and Stapleton. Ruth and Anton are deeply committed to serving their communities, drawing on their rich and unique ministries within and beyond the Church. I look forward to seeing how God continues to work through them in the benefice.”
Both Ruth and Anton are Self-Supporting Ordained Ministers in Secular Employment, living out their ministries within the Church and beyond, as a learning support assistant and police officer, respectively.
Ruth said: “I moved to Bristol just over 35 years ago and joined Holy Trinity Stapleton singing in the singing group, and in the robed choir which joined with Frenchay Church for Easter cantatas, so it has been a privilege to be a part of both churches in the Benefice developing my ministry, first as an ordinand, (also having a year’s placement at St Martin's, Knowle), then as curate and now as associate minister alongside the ministry teams. Both churches have recently had changes, and it feels exciting to be a part of that.”
Anton said: “I look forward to sharing my ministry in this next season with Ruth, Judith and the rest of the team and people of the parish of Frenchay and seeing where God leads us over that time. I have however promised my wife of nearly 25 years, my two teenage children, and the border collie, that I will still ensure there is quality time left in my diary to spend with them and to allow my own refreshment alongside ministry commitments!”
Revd Ruth Harding
Ruth Harding finds great fulfilment in both her ordained ministry and her work as a learning support assistant in a special school, where she has been for 20 years. She sees both roles as part of her calling, serving and supporting those around her. Ruth values being part of the diverse communities where she lives, works, and worships and is deeply grateful for the encouragement of her friends, colleagues, family, and congregations.
Revd Anton Campbell
Anton Campbell has served in both rural and suburban ministry for over a decade while also working full-time as a senior police officer. He sees his vocation reflected in both roles, seeking to serve his community with compassion and integrity. Originally from Essex, he has lived in the southwest for nearly 25 years. He was licensed as a lay minister at Gloucester Cathedral in 2012 before moving to Chippenham and transferring his licence to the Diocese of Bristol. In 2021, he was ordained as a deacon at Bristol Cathedral alongside the Revd Ruth Harding and others.