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Bishop Beckwith announces changes to deacon leadership

After eight years of serving as Archdeacon for Administration, Deborah Drake has decided to step down. She has alerted both Peter Jackson and me of her intention. I can’t thank her enough for her commitment, skill and faith during this time. I know that you join me in that sentiment.

On April 1, Deborah met with me, Peter Jackson and Deacons Chris McCloud and Diane Riley at my invitation. We expressed our gratitude to Deborah, and began to sort through how best to configure the leadership of the diaconal community going forward. With Deborah’s input, along with Peter’s experience and Diane’s and Chris’ perspective – we slightly reconfigured how the leadership of the diaconate will be organized.

We recognized the need for a deacon to formally be appointed as the Archdeacon for Mission and Service. Diane Riley has agreed to assume that role. Chris McCloud will serve as the Archdeacon for Administration and Formation. Peter Jackson will continue to serve as the Archdeacon for Witness/Transition and Process, which means that he will continue to be the deacon with whom I have primary communication.

Peter, Diane and Chris met again to delineate their roles. They gave a proposal to me; I accepted it and now I pass it on to you.

These new responsibilities will formally begin on Pentecost, May 15. Again, I want to thank Deborah for her extraordinary service to the diaconal community, to Peter who continues in his – and to Diane and Chris who begin theirs.