Reverend Canon Samantha Brazier-Gibbs appointed new Archdeacon of Ipswich

A keen tennis player and former sports therapist has told of how Suffolk has always been close to her heart as she prepares to join the county’s most senior clergy.

Reverend Canon Samantha Brazier-Gibbs has been appointed the new Archdeacon of Ipswich.

When she takes on the role in June, she will work to attract younger people to the Church, grow numbers and strengthen work with communities.

She replaces Reverend Rhiannon King, who became Bishop of Southampton last year.

The 46-year-old, who has a teenage son, spoke of how she lost her parents when she was in her teens, which sparked her journey to Christianity.

Samantha said: ‘‘Suffolk has held a special place in my heart since my childhood, when I holidayed there every year.

‘‘I am excited to join the team in Ipswich and look forward to building relationships with fellow ministers and churches.

“I am eager to see how this next phase of ministry unfolds and hope to build on the excellent work already accomplished, fostering growth and developing sustainable new projects while nurturing innovative ideas.’’

Samantha is currently parish priest for three rural churches in Essex – Blackmore, Stondon Massey, and Fyfield, all in the Diocese of Chelmsford.

She also leads a team of ministers responsible for 14 parishes around Chipping Ongar.

One of the responsibilities of her new role will be supporting the diocese’s Inspiring Ipswich project during its final stages, set to help bring young people into the Church.

Samantha will be part of the senior management team supporting Graeme Knowles, acting Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich.

Bishop Graeme said: ‘‘We are delighted to welcome Sam to our Diocese and she will bring with her a wealth of experience gained from working across urban and rural settings from east London boroughs to the Suffolk border, where she has worked to balance tradition with growth.

‘‘She is looking forward to building relationships with fellow ministers and churches and play an important part in developing the Anglican church in Ipswich so that it is well placed for the future.’’

Archdeacons provide pastoral care for clergy and help link bishops with the wider Church in Suffolk, while ensuring clergy discipline, filling vacant posts among a wide range of other tasks.

The Venerable Rich Henderson, Archdeacon of Suffolk, said he was excited to welcome Samantha as a colleague and member of the Church’s senior staff.

“I have had the privilege of serving the Ipswich Archdeaconry during this interim phase,” he said.

“Samantha joins us at a time of change and transition and will be well supported and encouraged by the clergy, lay ministers, churchwardens, and worshipping communities across Ipswich and the wider diocese.”