The Bishop of Rochester is delighted to be able to announce the appointment of two new Archdeacons for the Diocese of Rochester:
| The Revd Preb Sandra McCalla is to be the Archdeacon of Rochester |
The Revd Nick Cornell is to be the Archdeacon of Tonbridge |
Sandra brings to her role a wealth of legal expertise as a former barrister, as well as substantial parochial experience in the Diocese of London. As Chaplain to the Bishop of London, she has had first-hand knowledge of the complexities of running a large and diverse Diocese. Her involvement in setting up and developing the Wilfred Wood leadership programme for Global Majority Heritage clergy has been hugely significant, and she will be well-placed to help us fulfil our commitment to promoting diversity in ministry and leadership in this Diocese and nationally.
Nick Cornell is no stranger to the Archdeaconry of Tonbridge, having served as Incumbent in Southborough and more recently also as Associate Archdeacon of Tonbridge. While ministering in the Diocese of Chichester, he had previously served as Acting Archdeacon. Nick has a strong financial background, having worked for a major accountancy firm. He brings a heart for mission and evangelism, as well as being deeply committed to supporting the ministry of clergy and lay people in the parishes of the Diocese. His knowledge of the Diocese and passion for the gospel will assist us greatly with the development and implementation of our Diocesan vision and strategy.
The Rt Rev Jonathan Gibbs, Bishop of Rochester says:
“I am looking forward greatly to welcoming them both to their new roles, sometime early in the New Year. Dates and times will be confirmed in due course.”
Responding to her appointment, The Revd Preb Sandra McCalla says:
“It is my privilege to be joining the Diocese of Rochester, continuing along God’s path to serve the people, parishes and chaplaincies across the community. At the same time, I will dearly miss and am thankful for all the friends and colleagues with whom I have had the pleasure of sharing my ministry throughout my time in the Diocese of London.
“I look forward to sharing mission and ministry with new friends and colleagues in my new role in the Diocese of Rochester. As I pray for you, I would ask for your prayers as I endeavour to support and serve local communities across the Diocese, implementing the Called Together priorities and sharing the love of Jesus.”
Responding to his appointment, The Revd Nick Cornell says:
"I am delighted to have been asked to serve as the next Archdeacon of Tonbridge at this exciting time for the Diocese as we seek to grow God's kingdom in our local communities and implement the next steps in the Diocesan vision and strategy.
As Associate Archdeacon, it has been a joy to see God at work in the Tonbridge Archdeaconry as people serve in their local communities. I'm really looking forward to meeting the people of the Archdeaconry and supporting them wherever they minister - in churches, chaplaincies or other expressions of ministry.
As a family we would really value your prayers as we make this move and we too will be praying for everyone in the Archdeaconry over the coming weeks."
A bit more about The Revd Preb Sandra McCalla
Prior to her ordination in 2012, The Revd Preb Sandra McCalla was a practising barrister in the City of London for a number of years. After ordination she served her title in the Parish of Poplar and thereafter was the Vicar of St Leonard’s Church, Heston, before taking up her post as Chaplain to the Bishop of London on 1st November 2021. Throughout her ministry, Prebendary Sandra has faithfully served the wider Diocese of London.
In addition to her roles in Heston and Kensington, Prebendary Sandra was the Area Dean of Cultural Diversity (now Racial Justice) as well as being Chaplain and Formation Tutor at St Mellitus Theological College providing pastoral care for students and ordinands, as well as teaching those undergoing training in theology.
In addition to her role in the two-cities, Prebendary Sandra takes as active role as a member of the college of canons at St Paul’s Cathedral, sits on the nominations committee and also sits on the Diocese of London’s Racial Justice Priority Group, whose aim is to support and encourage senior leadership in striving for racial justice within the Church.
A bit more about The Rev Nick Cornell
Nick grew up in the Diocese of Rochester and studied modern languages at Trinity Hall, Cambridge before qualifying as a tax advisor for a large accountancy firm in London.
After training for ministry at Oak Hill Theological College, he served his curacy in the Chichester Diocese in a town-centre church in Eastbourne. He then undertook a first incumbency serving two rural parishes - Maresfield and Nutley for six years where he was also for a time Acting Archdeacon of Hastings.
In 2018 Nick moved to Rochester to become Rector at Christ Church, Southborough where he has also served as Area Dean of Tunbridge Wells and currently serves as one of the Associate Archdeacons of Tonbridge.
Nick loves reading, music, watching films and seeing friends and family. He also enjoys a strong cup of coffee and tinkering with an array of technology.