THE Rev Allie Kerr has been appointed as the new Archdeacon of Bromley and Bexley, it was announced today.

Allie, who is currently vicar of St Cuthbert and St Aidan in Copnor, Portsmouth, has been appointed to this strategic role by the Bishop of Rochester, the Rt Rev Jonathan Gibbs.

Until recently she was also acting Archdeacon of the Isle of Wight, and her background also includes time in both rural and urban parish ministry in our diocese and in Salisbury diocese. She was also area dean, associate archdeacon and mission development officer during her time in the Isle of Wight.

Bishop Jonathan Gibbs said: “She has a real sense of God’s call upon her to join the diocesan team in Rochester, and I know she will bring a deep commitment to supporting our parishes in their mission and ministry.

“I look forward very much to welcoming Allie to the archdeaconry and diocese, and to working with her to take forward our vision of being Called Together in Jesus’ name to change, serve and grow the Church in the Diocese of Rochester.”

And Allie said: “I’m excited to be joining the Diocese of Rochester and getting to know the people and parishes of the Archdeaconry of Bromley and Bexley. I am looking forward to seeing where God is at work in the local communities and supporting churches, chaplaincies and fresh expressions, as they implement the Called Together priorities and share the love of Jesus in their context.

“I have loved my 11 years serving in the Diocese of Portsmouth and have learnt so much and grown in confidence from my first incumbency in East Cowes and Whippingham, time as area dean, associate mission development officer, interim priest-in-charge of St John’s, Newport and more recently as vicar of the wonderful St Cuthbert’s Church and Community Centre with St Aidan's and acting Archdeacon of the Isle of Wight. I am enormously grateful to the many colleagues and friends who have encouraged, challenged and believed in me.

“I will miss St Cuthbert’s and the people of this diocese hugely, the parish and diocese will always hold a special place in my heart. I will continue to hold you in my prayers and I ask that you pray for Adrian, my family and myself in this time of transition.”

A licensing service for Allie is likely to take place in late April, details of which will be shared closer to the time.

Allie is married to Adrian and they have four adult daughters and a seven-year-old grandson. She trained at Ripon College, Cuddesdon, and served her curacy in Salisbury diocese before her first incumbency in our diocese in 2012.

The Rt Rev Jonathan Frost, Bishop of Portsmouth, said: “I know the whole diocese will join me in assuring Allie of our prayers, appreciation and good wishes as she prepares to take up her new role as an archdeacon in the Diocese of Rochester.

“Whether it has been through parochial ministry – on the Isle of Wight and later in Portsmouth – in ministry development or as acting archdeacon, Allie has brought energy, warmth and directness to everything she has endeavoured to be and to do in Jesus’ name.

“Allie leaves the Diocese of Portsmouth with a company of appreciative friends and colleagues. We will miss her, but know she will serve the Lord faithfully in Rochester. Please do hold Allie and Adrian in your prayers as they prepare to move.”