New Archdeacon of Warwick appointed
Bishop Sophie is pleased to announce that following a national search and a rigorous interview process the Revd Tim Cockell has accepted her invitation to become the Archdeacon of Warwick. Tim has served in the Diocese of Coventry for 28 years: firstly, as team vicar of St George’s, Rugby, and then as Rector of St Mark’s, Bilton, for 19 years before taking up the role of Acting Archdeacon Pastor in 2023. Tim is currently an associate minister at All Saints, Emscote, and will finish in that role as he takes up the permanent Archdeacon of Warwick responsibilities. This appointment comes as part of changes to our archidiaconal structures as we look to offer more effective support to our parishes.
Tim Cockell said:
“I am absolutely thrilled to be taking up the role of Archdeacon of Warwick and playing my part in developing vision and strategy for the diocese with Bishop Sophie. The Diocese of Coventry has a big place in my heart, and I am very much looking forward to employing all I have learned from my three years as Acting Archdeacon Pastor in my new role. I am also looking forward to getting to know the parishes and people of the Archdeaconry more fully in the coming months.”
Bishop Sophie said:
“I’m delighted that Tim has accepted my offer of the role of Archdeacon of Warwick. This represents a significant change in our structures as we seek to support our front-line ministry context more effectively in the coming years. I know that Tim will pay careful attention to those in his care, both lay and ordained, helping them to grow in knowledge and love of God as we reach out with the reconciling love of Christ in our communities.”
Claire Wood from the appointment panel:
“As Chair of the College of Archdeacons, I am delighted to hear of Tim Cockell’s appointment as Archdeacon of Warwick. This is a significant role in supporting the mission and ministry of the diocese, and encouraging parishes, communities, clergy and lay leaders to flourish. Tim brings gifts of leadership, pastoral care and I look forward to working with him as part of the wider College as he begins this important ministry in the Diocese of Coventry.”
Tim will begin his new role on July 16th and a larger event marking the appointment will follow at a later date. Please join us in praying for Tim and his family as he takes up this new role and for the season of transition for him and for the archdeaconry he will serve.
The archdeaconry of Warwick includes these deaneries; Warwick and Leamington, Alcester, Southam, Fosse and Shipston.
Archdeacon of Coventry
Bishop Sophie is extremely grateful that the Revd Canon Richard Hibbert has accepted her invitation to take on the role of part-time Acting Archdeacon of Coventry over the coming months and with immediate effect alongside his existing role as vicar of Holy Trinity, Coventry. The recruitment process for the substantive role is currently underway and your prayers are valued as we seek the person whom God is calling to this vital role, working alongside Archdeacon Tim and as part of the senior staff team.