The Revd Canon Andrew Norman has been appointed to the new post of Director of Ministry and Mission in the Diocese of Leeds.
Andrew, who is currently Principal of Ridley Hall in Cambridge (a theological training college), says, ‘The next few years will be crucial for the Church of England, as it prays and works for the renewal of its life and witness. After eight years focussed on equipping the next generation of clergy and youth workers, I am excited about nurturing mission and ministry in a diocese which has a rich variety of contexts. Helping to realise the potential of this newly formed ‘mega-diocese’ is an inspiring prospect!’
Bishop Nick says, “I am more than delighted that Andrew Norman is coming north to help develop this diocese, bringing experience, expertise and theologically informed passion to the task. He is joining a motivated team in Leeds and will bring unique skills to this stage of our mission and ministry.”
As Director of Ministry and Mission he will lead a core team who oversee clergy training, church growth, community work, vocations, and work with children and young people.
Andrew has wide experience in the Church of England, including being the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Secretary for International, Anglican Communion and Ecumenical Affairs, which expanded his interest in the Anglican Communion and global Christianity. His book ‘A Church Observed’, shortly to be published, examines what it means to be authentically Anglican in changing missional contexts.
A farmer’s son, Andrew read Politics, Philosophy and Economics at Oxford, before working as a lay assistant in inner-city Liverpool and then with the banknote printers, De La Rue. He trained for ordination at Ridley Hall and served in churches in Paris and Bristol. His MPhil is in the area of Anglicans, mission and ecumenism.
Andrew is married to Amanda, who is a University Careers Adviser and a Church of England Reader. They have two daughters at secondary school. He enjoys travel, reading, current affairs and watching DVD box-sets.
Andrew will begin in post as Director of Ministry and Mission in January 2017.