It has been announced that after much thought and prayerful consideration, Archdeacon Sharon Copestake has decided to leave her role as Archdeacon of Tonbridge later this year.
In sharing the news, Bishop Jonathan said he was so grateful to Sharon for her ministry, friendship, and personal support:
"This will be a sad loss for me and for the Diocese of Rochester.
"Sharon has supported clergy and lay people across the Tonbridge Archdeaconry pastorally; she has chaired the HR Group for the RDBF; she has worked with various parishes and benefices to help consider strategic direction and mission, supporting benefices through various changes that have impacted them – including leading on significant pastoral reorganisation across the Archdeaconry; and she has worked with diocesan staff and others to further the strategic planning needed for sustainable ministry into the future."
He added:
"I am so grateful in particular for Sharon’s friendship and support for me personally since I arrived in Rochester and I am delighted that Sharon and her family will continue to live in the Diocese and that she will have my Permission to Officiate with immediate effect.
"Sharon has previously served as a Reader at St Augustine’s, Gillingham and as Lay Worker and then Curate at St Philip and St James, Chatham, before becoming Vicar of St Francis, Strood and Area Dean of Strood.
"In these and countless other ways, Sharon has supported the life of the Diocese and its people with dedication and compassion."
Reflecting on the announcement, Sharon says:
"Following a lengthy period of prayerful consideration, I have decided to leave my role as Archdeacon of Tonbridge. This has been a very difficult decision, but one that is right for myself and my family.
"It has been a privilege to serve the church as Archdeacon in this diocese, and I step back from this role with a deep sense of gratitude and joy."
She continued:
"I am especially grateful to the support I have had from Bishop Jonathan, Bishop Simon and other senior colleagues.
"It has been such a gift to work alongside parishes in their mission and ministry, as well as to continue to contribute to the wider diocese as we have emerged from lockdown and determined a new strategic direction."I am so very thankful for the wonderful colleagues that I have had the opportunity and honour to work alongside.
"It remains my heart’s desire to seek the kingdom of God in all things, and my prayer continues that the people of this Diocese will serve Jesus’ Church in all that is said and done."
Subject to confirmation, Sharon's leaving service will be held on the evening of Sunday 20 October. More details will follow in due course.
In the meantime, Bishop Jonathan encourages the whole Diocese to join with him in wishing Sharon and her family well:
"Please join me in expressing our heartfelt thanks to Sharon for the friendship, fellowship and dedication to the life of the Church in the Diocese of Rochester, and in assuring her and her family of our prayers and support as they prepare for this next stage of their adventure in the service of our Lord Jesus Christ."