Celebrating our outgoing Archdeacons
Bishop David hosted a reception on Friday 1 September in Willowfield Church Halls to mark the forthcoming retirements of both Archdeacon Roderic West (Dromore) and Archdeacon Ken Higgins (Down).
Roderic and Ken have ministered in the diocese for 37 years and 30 years respectively, Roderic having been Archdeacon since October 2011 and Ken since February 2020.
Bishop David said that Roderic and Ken had carried out the challenging role of an Archdeacon “with grace, with integrity and a depth of commitment to Jesus Christ who is the head of the church”.
He also thanked them for their parish ministries, noting that both had grown the churches where they had served and were known for their deep commitment to the pastoral care of their parishioners.
He expressed his gratitude to both for their friendship and faithfulness.
“I have so valued your support, your prayers, your wisdom and all that you’ve given over the years. So, on behalf of all of us in this diocese, thank you so much for all that you’ve given as Archdeacons and all that you’ve given locally. May you, Roderic and Joan and you, Ken and Ann have a fruitful ministry in retirement and health and happiness in the years ahead.”
Hon Lay Secretary for Down, Dr Elizabeth Leonard presented each of the Archdeacons with a gift and Joan and Ann with flowers.
