New Archdeacon of France

It gives us the greatest pleasure to announce that The Revd Canon Dr. Peter Hooper has been appointed to be the next Archdeacon of France.

Peter (pictured) is currently priest-in-charge of seven rural churches near Melton Mowbray and Area Dean of the Framland Deanery in the Leicester Diocese. He is the Chair of the House of Clergy, is a member of Bishop’s Council, and sits on various other Diocesan Committees. Much of his time in ministry has been directed to growing Christian communities and presence, both within established settings as well as in start-up situations and secular organisations. He is interested in national initiatives on clergy flourishing and has co-ordinated a series of projects looking at reducing the administration burden for clergy. Over the last ten years, Peter has been Area Dean for two different deaneries, both of which have been re-organised under his leadership.

Peter was born in the North East of England and following some nine years at Newcastle University, he worked in the agricultural supply industry, eventually becoming managing director of a large agricultural seeds business based in Toulouse, France. Whilst living there he served as Chaplaincy Warden in the Anglican Chaplaincy, so understands well the realities of chaplaincy life in the Archdeaconry. Peter was ordained in the Leicester Diocese in 2006, however a major part of his training took place at the Institut Catholique de Toulouse, which at the time was local to him.

Peter was widowed in 2019 and has two grown up children, William who is a Chartered Civil Engineer and Catherine, a Human Nutritionist, who works in the Food Industry. Whilst they will not be returning with him to live in France, they are excited about the opportunities to visit. Peter has lived and worked in France for over a decade and looks forward very much to returning to a country that he regards as his home.

Peter will begin work with us on 15 February 2021. He will be licensed initially as Acting Archdeacon, continuing to live in Leicestershire. A move to France will be organised as quickly as possible in these difficult times, when Peter will be licensed as Archdeacon in full title.

Peter feels a strong sense of calling to this role. He comments:

“It is often quoted that you should ‘never go back’. However, when we truly open ourselves up to God’s guidance, such dismissive thought should not be part of our discipleship journey. We offer our lives to be shaped, formed and placed where God knows best and so it is with enormous pleasure and great excitement that I respond to his call to ‘go back’ to my ministerial roots in France”.

Bishop Robert said:

“I am thrilled that we are able to appoint a priest of such rich experience and skill to this key leadership role, with responsibilities for our chaplaincies across France and Monaco. Please pray for Peter as he begins a major period of transition. In due course I hope you will join with me in giving Peter a warm welcome into his new responsibilities and return to France.”