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16 New Reverends Ordained to Serve at Parishes Across Devon
16 new members of the clergy are beginning their new roles at parishes across Devon after being ordained at Exeter Cathedral on Saturday 1 July. They include three members of the same family: Rev’d Julie Wheeler, her son, Rev’d Charles Wheeler and his wife, Rev’d Miriam Brandon-Wheeler. It is unusual for three members of the same family to enter the priesthood at the same time. Miriam said after the service: “It’s been great to walk…
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Three Members of the Same Family Among 16 New Clergy Being Ordained at Exeter Cathedral
A mother, her son and daughter-in-law say they are looking forward to being ordained together at Exeter Cathedral on Saturday 1 July. Julie Wheeler, Charles Wheeler and Miriam Brandon-Wheeler are amongst 16 men and women from across Devon who will be ordained deacons during the service. It is unusual for three members of the same family to enter the priesthood at the same time. Charles, who took part the Church of England’s Ministry Experience scheme,…
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From Refugees to Neighbours in Ilfracombe
Rev’d Fran Bliss is a curate at St Peter’s and Holy Trinity, Ilfracombe. She has been a volunteer family co-ordinator for the Pickwell Foundation, a Devon charity which provides support to refugees and asylum seekers. She is currently hosting a refugee in her home and says that, as a Church community, we can respond in many positive ways. Here she describes her recent experience of supporting asylum seekers in Ilfracombe: “In November 2022 the Home…
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Step by Step Guide to Appointing the Next Bishop of Exeter
With Bishop Robert’s retirement planned for the end of September, a discernment process is already underway to find the next Bishop of Exeter. The process is being overseen by the Diocese of Exeter’s Vacancy in See Committee. See is from the Latin term for “seat” and historically refers to the bishop’s throne, i.e. centre of authority and jurisdiction, which for hundreds of years has been in Exeter. The committee is a standing committee of the…
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Devon’s ‘Cream of the Crop’ Honoured in St Boniface Awards at Exeter Cathedral
This year’s St Boniface Awards, which honour the unsung heroes of Devon’s Anglican churches, took place during a service at Exeter Cathedral on Saturday 24 June. Sixteen people from churches across Devon were admitted into the Company of St Boniface, The thirteen who attended the service were presented with a medal by the Bishop of Exeter. They included a mother-of-three who trains church volunteers to run antenatal classes, a former engineer who created a bell-ringing…
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Plymouth Archdeaconry Welcomes Its First Female Archdeacon
The first female Archdeacon of Plymouth was officially welcomed into her new role during a special service at Tavistock Parish Church. The Venerable Jane Bakker was previously a parish priest in Southampton. Before becoming ordained she worked in accountancy following a career as an air traffic controller in the RAF. Her inauguration service on Tuesday 13 June was led by the Bishop of Exeter and attended by the Bishop of Plymouth, Bishop of Crediton and…
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