The Bishop of Newcastle is delighted to announce that Chris Elder has agreed to be our Diocesan Secretary for an initial period of 12 months to give us stability during a time of change and transition, particularly with the establishment of a new safeguarding team.
Chris, who took on the post of Interim Diocesan Secretary in October 2024, currently spends two days a week at Church House and two days as Operations Director at St Thomas’ Newcastle. Under the new interim arrangement, Chris will give four days a week as Diocesan Secretary and reduce his time at St Thomas’ to one day per week.
Bishop Helen-Ann said: “In the short time Chris has been with us as Interim Diocesan Secretary, he has brought stability and confidence to Church House and more widely across our Diocese. Chris has demonstrated a deep commitment to supporting our engagement in God’s mission, fostering ministry and growth across the Diocese of Newcastle. His appointment for this initial period of 12 months will be key in helping us build on this renewed stability as we continue to develop our vision to be Seeking, Sharing, Sending. I am further delighted that Chris’ taking on this role continues alongside his relationship with our Resource Church, St Thomas’ and I look forward to all the opportunities that this relationship will continue to give us.”
Chair of Newcastle Diocesan Board of Finance, Simon Harper said: “I am delighted that Chris has agreed to continue in the role he started with us in October last year. Chris joins us at an exciting but challenging time for our Diocese and we will benefit from his skills, dedication and insights as we tackle those challenges. Chris is known to many of us in the Diocese and I welcome the opportunities for Chris to build on these local connections in addition to further developing our relationship with the National Church.”
Vicar at St Thomas’ the Reverend Canon Dr Ben Doolan said: “We are absolutely delighted that Chris, our Operations Director at St Thomas', will serve as Diocesan Secretary for the next twelve months. This is a wonderful opportunity for both Chris and the Diocese of Newcastle, and we are thrilled to be partnering in this way. Chris is exceptionally gifted and we know he will bring his considerable skills, experience and passion for the gospel to this important role. While he will be primarily focused on Diocesan business, we are pleased that he will continue to contribute to St Thomas' one day a week. We are excited about the future of the Diocese as we seek, share and send together."
On his appointment, Chris commented: “I am excited and grateful for this opportunity to continue serving as Diocesan Secretary. Over the past few months, I have witnessed the dedication and faithfulness of so many, and at this time of both challenge and opportunity I look forward to working together as we seek to grow, serve, and share in the love of Christ.”
Chris will take up his four day a week role as Diocesan Secretary from Monday 3 March and can be contacted at: diosec@newcastle.anglican.org.