The Bishop of Portsmouth today (Sept 28) announced the appointment of the Rev Karen Schmidt as acting Archdeacon of the Isle of Wight.

The Rev Karen Schmidt

She will work three days each week, live at the archdeacon’s house in Wootton Bridge, and be supported from the office there by Mrs Sally Read, PA to the Archdeacon.

She will continue to support the bishop as his part-time chaplain. Karen will work closely with the bishop in his oversight and leadership of the island archdeaconry, and with the area deans and lay chairs who share with her in that ministry.

The bishop, the Rt Revd Christopher Foster, said,” This appointment recognises the importance of supporting the people, clergy and parishes of the Island, without withdrawing ministry from parishes and communities, while a process of consultation takes place across the island and the diocese about the appointment of a permanent postholder.”

The Rev Karen Schmidt previously worked as a solicitor before she was ordained. She was a curate in St Faith’s Church, Lee-on-Solent, and then priest-in-charge at St John the Baptist, Purbrook. She took on the role as part-time bishop’s chaplain in 2009.

The previous Archdeacon of the Isle of Wight, the Ven Caroline Baston, will be licensed and commissioned on October 3 by the Bishop of Bristol to be transition minister and priest-in-charge of St Andrew, North Swindon. Former island priest the Rev Anne Faulkner, who was vicar at St John’s, Wroxall, will be licensed to work as associate priest alongside her.