TWO vicars from our diocese are to become archdeacons, it was announced today. (April 6)

The Rev Dr Paul Moore

The Rev Dr Alex Hughes, vicar of St Luke’s and St Peter’s, Southsea, will be the next Archdeacon of Cambridge.

The post involves supporting Church of England clergy in the Cambridge area, offering Christian leadership on behalf of the bishop, and helping the bishop to plan strategically and implement God’s vision for the Ely diocese. He will also chair the Board of Education, co-ordinating the Church’s involvement in church schools across the diocese.

And Canon Dr Paul Moore, vicar of St Wilfrid’s, Cowplain, will become Archdeacon for Mission Development for Winchester diocese. The role, which has no geographical responsibilities, is the first of its kind in the Church of England.

In his new post, Paul will lead a Mission Development Team working across five key areas - developing and overseeing Fresh Expressions of church and pioneering work across the diocese, promoting social engagement, education, world mission partnerships, as well as enabling all forms of mission and training through the new School of Mission.

The Rev Alex Hughes was ordained in Oxford in 2000 before becoming chaplain to the former Bishop of Portsmouth, the Rt Rev Kenneth Stevenson, in 2003. He moved to his inner-city parishes in 2008 and is also chair of governors at Charter Academy in the city.

The Bishop of Ely, the Rt Rev Stephen Conway, said: “I am delighted that Alex Hughes has accepted the invitation to become the next Archdeacon of Cambridge.

“Alex comes to us as an exceptional priest who encouraged the appointment panel with his passion for God, theological maturity and heart for the clergy and parishes. He comes with excellent educational experience as chair of a secondary academy to take on the role as Chair of the Board of Education.

“Alex is already eager to be involved in what we are seeking to develop as our generous and transformative vision in how we serve God’s mission across our diocese.”

Speaking about his appointment, Alex said: “I am hugely excited about joining the Diocese of Ely. I especially look forward to serving the parishes and deaneries of the archdeaconry, as they respond to the call to mission with generosity and imagination, and to working with the Board of Education in support of the Church’s ministry in schools.”

Alex is married to Sarah and they have two children. He is currently preparing to run his first London marathon.

Canon Paul Moore has been vicar of St Wilfrid’s Church, Cowplain, since 2001. He previously worked in Oxford and Bradford dioceses, he was rural dean of Havant from 2004-09 and is an honorary canon of Portsmouth Cathedral.

He is married to Lucy, who works for the Bible Reading Fellowship (BRF) and created the concept of Messy Church at St Wilfrid’s in 2004. The idea has spread across the world. There are now more than 2,300 Messy Churches in 14 different countries.

Paul has recently written a book based on his experience as the vicar of the church where Messy Church started – ‘Making Disciples in Messy Church’ was published by BRF.

He and the Mission Development Team will be aiming to build on and grow many of the existing community projects that the Diocese of Winchester is involved with – for example, the Southampton Street Pastors and the Weston Lighthouse project - while seeking to encourage and establish new, creative and dynamic ways for the Church to engage with society.

The Rt Rev Tim Dakin, Bishop of Winchester, said: “This is a very exciting time for the diocese and I am delighted that Paul will be taking on this role. His extensive experience in parish ministry is the perfect foundation for the work he will be undertaking in our existing communities and beyond.

“As someone who has pioneered welcoming new people, Paul will ensure that as a diocese we are confident about connecting and reaching out beyond our church buildings to communities which have not engaged with the Christian faith before, bringing them the good news of God’s love for them and his world.”

And Paul said: “It’s exciting and a huge privilege to take up this new position, developing a new team to help churches across the diocese grow in faith and numbers and have a greater impact for good both in their local communities and the wider world. I’m very much looking forward to working with colleagues to encourage the growth of Christian communities and fresh ways of being Church that reach out to engage with people who wouldn’t normally think of coming to church.”