This is a text-only version of an article first published in September 2020. Information shown on this page may no longer be current.
The leadership team that serves the Church in the Thames Valley is supported by three Associate Archdeacons.As parishes begin to emerge from lockdown and focus once again on our common vision to become a more Christ-like Church, our three Associate Archdeacons have their sleeves rolled up and are ready to help.
The Diocese of Oxford is one of the largest dioceses in the Church of England; each of our three counties is the size of an average diocese, but with only half the national average number of archdeacons.
That means Associate Archdeacons play a vital role in the diocese as we embark on the next steps of our ambitious common vision programme.
Meet the team
David Tyler - Dorchester
The Revd Canon David Tyler took on the role of Assistant Archdeacon of Dorchester nearly two years ago.
Appointed Associate Archdeacon in February 2020, David brings a wealth of experience from his assistant role, area dean, parish priest and, prior to being ordained, as a chartered accountant.
"What I've enjoyed so far is having a broader perspective on the diocese and seeing the Church alive across Oxfordshire," says David.
"I'm part of a national archdeacons' team, and I'm also working with charities across the county, and Oxfordshire County Council.
It's been invaluable seeing how local authorities, churches and civic society are working together to address the challenges arising from the pandemic."
The Rt Revd Colin Fletcher, the Bishop of Dorchester, says: "The Dorchester Archdeaconry is a busy one with a mix of towns, villages and large rural expanses.
David is doing a wonderful job, bringing his parish ministry experience and his knowledge of the Dorchester Area to his new role."
Liz Jackson - Berkshire
The Revd Liz Jackson was licensed on 5 September 2020 and joins us from Coventry Diocese, where she was Area Dean of Coventry North and Vicar of St Francis of Assisi Church, Radford. With a passion for social justice, Liz previously worked with the homeless, and her most recent role sees her working closely with refugees and asylum seekers.
Liz works closely with the city council's integration team, and St Francis has set up the Arabian Bites cafe, a social enterprise that helps new refugees from Syria and Iraq to learn new skills. Speaking about her appointment, Liz says;
"I will need to learn a lot, but I hope I can bring some of the experience I have of working hard to live in a more Christ-like way in very challenging settings."
The Rt Revd Olivia Graham, the Bishop of Reading, says: "Liz brings a heart for social justice, diversity and inclusion; a strong track record on finance and community engagement; wide experience of fresh expressions, and a contemplative heart. I am delighted that Liz is joining the Berkshire Area Team at this time of challenge and opportunity."
Chris Bull - Buckingham
The Revd Canon Chris Bull has been the Vicar of Flackwell Heath for 25 years, was Area Dean of High Wycombe and is the chaplain to Bucks Royal British Legion.
He took up the post of Associate Archdeacon in September 2020.
"I see the workload of our archdeacons, and I honestly don't know how they do it," says Chris.
"I've been in the archdeaconry for a long time, and I've picked up a lot of experience so I'm looking forward to working with Archdeacon Guy to supporting people in churches, parishes and communities across the archdeaconry."
The Rt Revd Dr Alan Wilson, the Bishop of Buckingham, says: "I've worked with Chris in our archdeaconry for many years, and his knowledge of the area, along with his passion for the good news and the Church will be a real asset to the Buckingham Area Team."
Key facts
With over 1,000 churches, schools and chaplaincies, the Diocese of Oxford is one of the largest and most complex in the Church of England.
Over 1,000 clergy and 300 Licensed Lay Ministers serve 52,000 regular Sunday worshippers at our 815 churches, but there are major conurbations where the Church lacks strength, and 27% of people in our congregations are aged 70 or older.
Massive new housing and population growth in this diocese will mean that another half a million people are living here by 2026 (210,960 more homes and 475,000 more people).
Each of our three counties is the size of an average diocese, yet we have only half the national average number of archdeacons.
Find out more about our common vision for a more Christ-like Church.