Archdeacon of North-West Europe

TO ALL THE CLERGY AND PEOPLE OF THE DIOCESE IN EUROPE FROM THE DIOCESAN BISHOP

Dear Brothers and Sisters, dear Friends,

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

The Archdeacon of North-West Europe, The Venerable Geoffrey Allen, is to retire after eleven years as archdeacon on 31 December. The forthcoming Bishop's Council in October will provide a good opportunity to thank Geoffrey 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 Canon Dirk van Leeuwen, Chaplain of St Boniface, Antwerp. Dirk has previously served in the chaplaincies in Brussels and Haarlem before his move ten years ago to be Chaplain of Antwerp. He is well known and widely respected in the Diocese for his breadth of experience and his pastoral wisdom; and he already serves as Chairman of the Central Committee of the Anglican Church in Belgium.

All archdeacons in my diocese share my pastoral oversight as bishop for the clergy, church officers and people within their respective archdeaconry, whatever the local traditions and differences from chaplaincy to chaplaincy. I am sure that Dirk is well able to address the particular needs of specific congregations, as well as to promote the crucial work of Christian unity, by assisting all members of the archdeaconry to play their full part in the Church's life, mission, ministry and worship.

Canon van Leeuwen will be commissioned in the new year. Your prayers for him and Annelies - and for the congregation at St Boniface Antwerp, their assistant clergy and church officers who will support them 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