Archdeacon of France

To all the Clergy and people of the Diocese in Europe from the Diocesan Bishop

I am delighted to be able to announce the appointment of a further new archdeacon for the Diocese.

The Archdeacon of France, Fr Martin Draper, is to retire as archdeacon and as Chaplain of St George's Paris on 30 June. The Diocesan Synod this week will provide a good opportunity to thank Fr Draper for his ministry in the Church of England, and the contribution he has made during his many years in the Diocese.

In his place I have appointed as archdeacon The Reverend ANTHONY WELLS, Chaplain of St Michael's, Paris. Fr Wells will thus become a member ex officio of the Cathedral Chapter of the Diocese, the Bishop's Staff Meeting and other diocesan bodies.

Fr Wells will be commissioned in St Michael's on Sunday 6 October (the day following the institution of the new chaplain of St George's, the Revd David Houghton). Your prayers for him and for the congregation at St Michael's, Paris, their assistant clergy and church officers who will support him locally will be a source of encouragement and help as he undertakes the increased responsibilities of this new appointment.

With all good wishes and the assurance of my prayers from your fellow worker for the Gospel:

+ GEOFFREY GIBRALTAR

14 May 2002 - St Matthias