On 6th and 7th June, the Annual Area Deans' Forum took place in Brussels.  Area Deans are appointed by the Bishop and work in collaboration with the Archdeacons to support clergy and chaplaincies in their deaneries. A deanery is a subsection of an archdeaconry, and in the Diocese in Europe, there are 7 archdeaconries, which are divided into 18 deaneries.  

Although Area Deans may have other responsibilities, their primary calling is to offer pastoral support and encouragement to clergy colleagues in the deanery. Unlike Archdeacons, Area Deans are usually licensed chaplains who take on this additional ministry alongside their local duties.  

This 24-hour gathering began on the first evening with Eucharist at Holy Trinity Brussels, presided over by Bishop Robert.  Following this time of fellowship and worship, the next morning Paul Vrolijk (former chaplain Holy Trinity Brussels and former Archdeacon of Northwest Europe, now a coach,  facilitated a discussion about the roles and responsibilities of Area Deans.  

The Reverend Canon Ruan Crew, Area Dean of the Netherlands, reflected on the forum;  

“There was an excellent collegiate atmosphere.  Time with Bishop Robert was really appreciated by the Area Deans.   

Time spent this way helps us to know our work is seen, valued and significant, and we leave with motivation and energy renewed.”