CAPTION: Dr Kerry Gilbert said she was looking forward to starting her role at a time of change of the Diocese of Exeter
New Chair of House of Laity keen to improve cultural, racial and social diversity
Dr Kerry Gilbert, from Plymouth, has been elected as the new Chair of the House of Laity for the Diocese of Exeter.
She replaces Annie Jefferies, who has stepped down after six years in the role.
Kerry is a Senior Lecturer in Medical Education and a Postgraduate Programme Director at the University of Exeter.
She is also a churchwarden in the Plymstock and Hooe Mission Community.
Kerry said “I am really excited (and if truthful, quite nervous) on becoming the new Diocesan Lay Chair.
Annie Jefferies said it had been an “honour and privilege” to represent lay people in Devon.
“It is particularly exciting to be starting this role, at a time of change for the Diocese of Exeter, as we welcome Bishop Mike as our new Episcopal Bishop next month.
“There is a lot happening in the diocese and I am looking forward to working towards the ‘Next Steps’ initiatives for mission, leadership and ministry, including lay ministry.
“I am hopeful we can do wonderful things together to improve cultural, racial and social diversity and to tackle issues of social injustice and care for our creation and environment.
Big shoes to fill
“I know I have big shoes to fill, following on from Annie Jefferies, but I will do my best to work with our new bishop and the diocesan teams to ensure lay voices from across the diocese are heard and considered through the next triennium of our Diocesan Synod.
In her new role as Chair of the House of Laity Kerry will represent lay people (anyone who is not a member of clergy) in the governance of the Church of England in Devon.
Together with the Chair of the House of Clergy, the Rev’d Mike Partridge, she will jointly chair Diocesan Synod meetings, where key decisions about the Church of England in Devon are made.
She will also be a lay representative on a number of diocesan committees.
“Truly I have felt God to be at work in our spectacular county.” Annie Jefferies, retiring Chair of the House of Laity
Commenting on her years in office, Annie Jefferies said “I have enjoyed every minute of the honour and privilege of representing the laity across the Diocese of Exeter.
“I have met and worked with wonderful people amongst the clergy and laity and have been a participant of some amazing projects.
“Truly I have felt God to be at work in our spectacular county .
“Kerry will be an excellent Chair of the House of Laity and I look forward to working with her.”
A wise voice
The Bishop of Crediton, the Rt. Rev’d Jackie Searle, paid tribute to Annie, saying “I most warmly thank Annie. She has been absolutely outstanding, totally reliable and utterly committed in representing the lay people of the diocese.
“She has been a wise voice who has always brought lay people into view and into focus.”
Annie said her advice for Kerry was to “develop mutual team working with Rev’d Mike Partridge as Chair of the House of Clergy, and get to know as many people as possible across the width and length of Devon.
She added: “There are masses of opportunities to bring God further into people’s lives – go for it Kerry!”
Kerry will take up her new role at the Diocesan synod on Saturday 12 October.
You can find out more about how to become a member of the synod here.
