The generosity of God – and inspiring and helping the Church to reflect it - are central to the vision which drives the diocese’s new Fundraising Adviser. Juliet Evans, who held a similar role in the Diocese of Guildford, started in post earlier this month and will work with chaplaincies to increase their income through giving and other fundraising means. Her remit also includes a myriad of complex practicalities in areas such as online giving, gift aid, legacies and regular giving schemes. 
 
Juliet is thrilled to take up the role. ‘I think the Diocese in Europe is just fascinating,’ she says ‘When I was researching the job, I was really struck by a phrase I came across, which talked about chaplaincies being a “home” or “host” to so many and yet also a “guest” of their host countries, able to be there by an act of grace on the part of those hosts. I enjoyed looking through chaplaincy websites and learning about the important role they play - as a place of worship; a warm and welcoming community; a sacred space; a beautiful historic building; a refuge and sanctuary and a springboard for outreach and community action. 

‘Although I have worked in a similar role, I recognise there is an awful lot to get my head around in my new job! I am looking forward to learning from everyone about their situation over the coming months and years - to understand their history, hopes and challenges - so I can support chaplaincies effectively.’ 

Juliet believes that generosity is a fundamental of the Christian faith. Her vision is to support chaplaincies to be sources of generosity. 

‘Every day we see generosity in our churches and Christian communities, reflecting the generous God we believe in,’ she says. ‘Our own generosity is a testament and hallmark of our faith in action. We live in uncertain times but the Bible calls us to be overflowing in generosity, even - and perhaps particularly - amidst such times: giving what we can, so God can do immeasurably more. 

‘My hope is to meet and support chaplaincies “wherever you are at”, acknowledging that we have a cost of living squeeze. There is much we can do on the practical side of things e.g. maximising gift aid, and exploring online and contactless giving.’ 

Juliet’s professional background makes her a good fit for the diocese. After studying languages at university, she taught English in Hungary before moving into publishing. She has also lived in Germany, Switzerland and Belgium. She is married with a teenage daughter and a “bouncy” cockerpoo and lives at Epsom in Surrey. She grew up in a Christian family and came to faith in her early teens. Juliet worships at St Paul’s, Howell Hill, a vibrant Anglican church in nearby Cheam.  

Diocesan Secretary, Andrew Caspari, says he’s excited by Juliet’s appointment. 

‘This is a hugely significant role which has been missing in the diocese for many years. Juliet comes to us with a wealth of experience in this area having done a similar task in Guildford as well as being a parish administrator after a successful career in publishing. Having worked around Europe she knows our territory well. 

‘I know many chaplaincies are chomping at the bit to meet Juliet and she will most certainly be able to work with them individually at times but she will also need to be able to work at archdeaconry or in some cases national level to cover people in groups as effectively as possible.’ 

Juliet’s contact details can be found on our staff contacts page.