CAPTION: Jo Stobart is returning to the diocese where she was ordained and served as a rural vicar
Bishop of Exeter’s Chaplain to be Next Archdeacon of Wells
The Rev’d Jo Stobart, currently Chaplain to the Bishop of Exeter, is to be the next Archdeacon of Wells in the Diocese of Bath and Wells.
For Jo, it will be a return to the diocese where she was ordained at Wells Cathedral in 2015 and served as a curate and vicar in rural parishes in Somerset before becoming Bishop’s Chaplain in spring 2025. Jo is also a General Synod member for Bath and Wells.
Jo said “I am overjoyed and honoured to be the next Archdeacon of Wells and Residentiary Canon of Wells Cathedral. The call to serve in this role was a tug at my vocational heart strings that I could not ignore.
“There will be much for me to learn, but I am looking forward to supporting the parishes of the Wells Archdeaconry, getting to know its people and places, and joining in with the joyful mission of the Cathedral.
Part of the role of the Bishop’s Chaplain is to assist at services, like the annual Ordination of Deacons service.
“The golden thread running through my whole working life has been teaching and learning, especially with children and young people, so I’m looking forward to finding ways to bring that focus to my new role.”
Jo has has been a key member of the Bishop’s of Exeter’s senior staff team, helping steer the strategic direction of the diocese at the beginning of its ten-year Pray Grow Serve 2035 plan.
She also chairs Safeguarding Case Management Groups in the diocese.
Of her time in Devon, she said: “Having been very happy in Bath and Wells, I didn’t expect to settle so easily in a new diocese, but it has been a real pleasure and privilege to work for Bishop Mike, to be part of the Senior Staff here and to get to know the clergy, lay minsters and parishes in this beautiful county.
“I will be going back to Bath & Wells inspired by my encounters with the people and places whose services I have covered on Sundays and with my own missional DNA invigorated!”
A Natural Choice
The Rt. Rev’d Dr Mike Harrison, Bishop of Exeter, said “I am delighted that Jo has been appointed as Archdeacon of Wells, which includes a key role at Wells Cathedral. Jo’s skills and abilities make her a natural choice for archidiaconal ministry, and her previous ministry and familiarity with Bath & Wells diocese will hold her in good stead for the ministry ahead.
“Jo has made a real impact as Bishop’s Chaplain, and I have greatly appreciated her hard work, strategic insight, and commitment to the mission of the Diocese of Exeter.
“She has been a great support to me, and I will miss working with her and having her in this diocese, but pray her new ministry in Somerset will bear much fruit and bless the people of the county. It’s good news she will be staying in the glorious South West!”
Jo will continue working in the Diocese of Exeter until late autumn before commencing her new role.
