Archdeacon of Suffolk Ven Jeanette Gosney retires following service at St Michael’s Church in Framlingham

The retiring Archdeacon of Suffolk has been celebrated at a special farewell service, in front of a packed out congregation

At the service at St Michael’s Church in Framlingham, which took place on April 23, Ven Jeanette Gosney said she has ‘loved seeing churches grow and support their local communities’.

Ven Gosney has been the Archdeacon, one of the most senior Church of England clergy in Suffolk, since 2020 – she started her ministry in Ipswich in 1996.

She has been praised for her work supporting clergy through the pandemic and working imaginatively with congregations.

Speaking about her time as Archeacon, Ven Gosney, said: “It has been a real privilege and joy to work with so many committed clergy and parishioners across the archdeaconry and see so many signs of new growth and community links.

“There have been tough times, and we know there are challenges for churches with buildings and finance, but people's commitment and determination to keep going is fantastic.”

She added: “I couldn’t have done the job without the support of colleagues in the diocesan office, as well as the rural deans.”

The new Archdeacon of Suffolk, the Revd Canon Rich Henderson, will be installed on May 14 at St Edmundsbury Cathedral in Bury St Edmunds.

He is currently Rector of Beccles with Worlingham, North Cove and Barnby, as well as Rural Dean of Waveney and Blyth.

Rt Revd Dr Mike Harrison, Bishop of Dunwich, said: ‘“An Archdeacon is a key role, playing an important part for hundreds of churches in the east of Suffolk.”

He continued: “Jeanette ably supported clergy and their well-being through the pandemic and afterwards, working imaginatively with congregations.”