11 December 2022
The Revd Canon Jane Richards has been appointed as the new Barking Area Continuing Ministerial Development (CMD) Adviser.
She will succeed the Revd Jill Mowbray who left the role earlier this year to focus on supporting Ministerial Wellbeing across the Diocese.
Jane is currently Vicar of St Andrew with Holy Cross, Basildon and Area Dean for Basildon. She also serves as a Vice President of Chelmsford Diocesan Synod, representing clergy across the Diocese. Jane served her Title post in a Local Ecumenical Partnership and has also been employed as a hospital chaplain so has had experience of ministry in a range of contexts.
Commenting on her appointment, the Revd Canon Jane Richards said:
“I’m delighted to have been appointed to the role of CMD adviser for the Barking Area. I believe that the way in which we serve our communities is constantly evolving and it is important that there are opportunities to develop ministry to meet these needs. I am excited to have been given the opportunity to be part of the way in which the Gospel is proclaimed in the Barking Area.
I will be sad to leave the parish of St Andrew with Holy Cross and my role as Area Dean of Basildon. I have made many friends during my time there and it has been a joy and a privilege to serve God and our local communities alongside them. I’m delighted to be continuing to serve in the Diocese of Chelmsford and I would very much welcome people’s prayers as I start this next chapter of my ministry.”
The Bishop of Barking, the Right Revd Lynne Cullens said:
“It is very good news for the Barking Episcopal Area that Jane is to be our next CMD adviser. She brings a wealth of skills from her professional life prior to ordination, plus valuable experience of parish ministry and service as both Area Dean and Clergy Vice President of Diocesan Synod, all of which have given her a deep understanding of the variety of parishes and communities we serve.
She will be a welcome addition to the Barking Area Team and a great support to clergy in our area. I want to thank Jill Mowbray too for her service to the Barking Area and for the important work she continues to do supporting ministerial wellbeing across our diocese.”
The Dean of Mission, Ministry and Education for Chelmsford Diocese, the Revd Rob Merchant said:
“Our CMD advisers play an important role in the life of our diocese enabling the training, development, and formation of ordained and lay people. I’m delighted that someone of Jane’s calibre and experience has been appointed to support those ministering in the Barking Episcopal Area and very much look forward to working with her.”
Jane will be starting in her role as CMD adviser for Barking in early 2023.
