Archdeacon of Switzerland

For 18 years Peter Hawker has served as Archdeacon of Switzerland having begun his ministry as an Assistant Curate in Bern in 1970. During those 18 years, Peter gave to the three Diocesan Bishops he has served, and to his Archdeaconry, an unfailing record of service, and has shared a great deal of expertise and wisdom. The opportunity for recording our gratitude formally to him and Vreni, his wife, will be at the closing dinner of this year's Diocesan Synod. (Peter will continue as my Commissary for the Vacancy in Lausanne until it is possible to institute a new chaplain there.)

I am delighted to announce that the Reverend John Williams has accepted appointment as Peter's successor. John and his wife Mary moved to the Diocese last year, when he became Chaplain of St John's Montreux with Gstaad after 30 years pastoral ministry in parishes of the Canterbury and Winchester dioceses. He has settled rapidly and effectively into that chaplaincy and will bring many gifts of pastoral care and efficient administration to his additional tasks as Archdeacon, for which his five years as Rural Dean of Christchurch (Winchester) will stand him in good stead.

Except in unusual circumstances, it is not possible in this diocese to appoint a priest for whom being Archdeacon is their sole responsibility. I am sure that the Council, congregation and assistant clergy of St John's Montreux will give John every support, for which Bishop David and I are most grateful.

Fr Williams will be licensed and commissioned as archdeacon at the Opening Eucharist of the Diocesan Synod, 24 May. Please offer prayers for him this Sunday (9 May) and 23 May.

+Geoffrey Gibraltar