The Bishop of Exeter’s new Chaplain is to be Rev’d Edward Day, it has been announced.
Edward is currently assistant curate at Wells Cathedral in Somerset.
The Bishop’s Chaplain is an assistant, advisor and liturgical helper to a diocesan bishop at major services and in their pastoral and administrative duties.
Edward grew up in Bristol before moving to Canterbury to study politics at university.
He has also completed a Masters’ degree in Canon Law.
The Bishop’s Chaplain assists the bishop at major services and carries out important administrative work on the bishop’s behalf
Before training for ordination at Ripon College Cuddesdon, he worked in local government on a range of regeneration, housing, and strategic asset development projects.
During the coronavirus pandemic he was as redeployed to help establish a food distribution centre supporting communities across North Somerset.
He said: “Throughout my ministry so far, I have found great joy in helping to enable the ministry of others. I see the role of a bishop’s chaplain as, in large part, one of enabling: helping to free the Bishop to exercise fully the ministry to which God has called him.
“With my background in ecclesiastical law, together with my experience of safeguarding and administration, I was particularly attracted to a role in which I can bring together these aspects of my ministry. I have come to see administration as an important part of my own vocation: work which, when done well, can create the space in which other people and ministries are able to flourish.”
Edward will be moving to Devon to begin his new role at the start of November.
He succeeds Rev’d Jo Stobart who is leaving to become the new Archdeacon of Wells.
Portfolio of Qualities
The Bishop of Exeter, the Rt. Rev’d Dr Mike Harrison, said “I am delighted at Edward’s appointment as Bishop’s Chaplain.
“The breadth of the Chaplain’s role requires abilities and understanding across a wide range of areas and Edward comes to us with just such a portfolio of qualities.
“Edward has a rich grounding in theology, pastoral care and liturgy as well as having particular experience and skills in relation to ecclesiastical law and safeguarding.
“I am very much looking forward to welcoming Edward and his fiancée Natalie to join the diocese and the Bishop’s team.”
The Very Rev’d Toby Wright, Dean of Wells, added: “I am certain that the deep spirituality and wisdom, alongside an impressive set of skills, knowledge and efficiency, that Edward has brought to Wells will prove a great asset for Bishop Mike and the Diocese of Exeter.
“The prayers, blessings and good wishes of the whole of the Wells Cathedral community will be with Edward and Natalie, as they are called to this exciting new venture.”
“For me, serving with joy comes in part from remaining attentive to the signs of God’s love that surround us.” Rev’d Edward Day
Edward said he was looking forward to getting to know Devon: “I am excited to meet people across the Diocese and hear their stories. I am also fairly confident that there will be some excellent walks, and hopefully good pub stops, to be found along the way.”
Commenting on the Diocese of Exeter’s vision to Grow in Prayer, Make New Disciples and Serve the People of Devon with Joy, he said “I have been fortunate to discover some of the spiritual disciplines that particularly nourish and sustain my faith.
“For me, these include silent contemplation, Ignatian spirituality, and Choral Evensong.
“At the same time, one of the things I cherish most about the Church of England is its breadth. I try therefore to remain open and curious to discover new ways to pray, new things to learn, and new experiences from which to grow.
“For me, serving with joy comes in part from remaining attentive to the signs of God’s love that surround us.”