Spring will see new life breathed into parishes across the Diocese of Truro with the licensing of six new clergy.

Four of those being licensed in March are curates who trained in the diocese and have chosen to remain as they move into their first posts. The remaining two will be coming from the Diocese of Oxford, with one, Revd Michael Johnson attracted by the vision of his new deanery and the diocese. Michael said: “I was inspired to accept this role because of the deanery’s commitment to change, to reorganise, to connect, to serve, to welcome and to grow together.”

Revd Laura Bushell-Hawke will be licensed as Oversight Minister for the Benefice of Saltash, Landrake w St Erney, Botus Fleming, and the Tamar benefice. She said: “I am delighted to be staying in the diocese. As a home-grown Curate who also had the opportunity to study full time living in Cornwall whilst training for ordination, my family and I really feel part of the diocese.  My husband George is an active member of the Clergy Spouse Support group who have been really helpful during the ups and downs of curacy and throughout the recruitment process.

“I’ve worked on the ‘On The Way’ programme and it is part of the reason I wanted to stay here. I am excited to see new patterns of ministry developing, this is a diocese that is not frightened to try something new and discover where God is at work inside and outside of our buildings. I’m really looking forward to seeing how the Deanery Plan evolves and how it will shape the new benefice I shall be bringing together.

“As a Curate who has been trained by the diocese, I also know how well supported I will be by the Ministry Development team, through training and mentoring, which makes the prospect of taking on my first post much less formidable. I’m hugely excited.

“Saltash is an area I know and love and as a family we very much feel we are going home.”

Archdeacon of Bodmin, the Ven Kelly Betteridge, said: “I am so pleased that we have been able to make a significant number of clergy appointments in recent months, particularly as we know that it is a challenging season nationally for recruitment.

“It is so encouraging that our own curates want to remain the diocese and equally good to hear that people from other regions are attracted by all we have to offer and the way in which the Diocese of Truro is seeking to invest in the life of the local church.”

Clergy being licensed in March:

Benefice of Camelside

Revd Robin Thwaites will be licensed as Rector with Oversight Responsibilities to the Camelside Benefice, a group of five parishes and seven churches on the edge of Bodmin Moor. Robin was ordained as a priest at Truro Cathedral in 2021 and has been serving as a curate in the benefice.

Benefice of Camel-Allen

Revd Nicki Farr will be licensed as Rector and Pioneer Priest in the Benefice of Camel-Allen. Nicki was ordained as a priest at Truro Cathedral in 2021 having previously undertaking her curacy in the diocese.

Benefice of Saltash, Landrake w St Erney, Botus Fleming, and the Tamar Benefice

Revd Laura Bushell-Hawke will be licensed as Oversight Minister for the Benefice of Saltash, Landrake w St Erney, Botus Fleming, and the Tamar benefice. Laura was ordained as a priest alongside Nicki and Robin at Truro Cathedral in 2021.

Fowey Parish

Revd Carol Edleston will be licensed to Fowey in March. Carol is another Truro curate who was ordained as a priest at Truro Cathedral in 2021. You can read more about Carol and her new role here.

East Wivelshire Deanery

Revd Michael Johnson is taking up the position of Rural Dean in East Wivelshire. Michael was previously in the Diocese of Oxford as a deanery Creative Mission Enabler. Michael’s move south was spurred on by his interest in the diocesan vision and the deanery plans in East Wivelshire. 

Bude Coast & Country Benefice

Revd David Saunders will be licensed later in the year as Rector with Oversight Responsibility for the Bude Coast & Country Benefice. He joins from Oxford diocese.