The Revd Simon Bray, Assistant Curate at St Nicholas Church Beverley, has been appointed Domestic Chaplain to the Archbishop of York.
He will begin his new ministry at Bishopthorpe on 3rd September 2018. The Domestic Chaplain supports the Archbishop in all aspects of his ministry within the Diocese of York.
Simon has spent the last three years as Assistant Curate at St Nicholas, Beverley, having been ordained deacon in 2015 and priest in 2016. Prior to ordination Simon worked mostly in music and worship ministry, including seven years as Director of Music and Worship at St Michael le Belfrey in York. He is married to Nicola and they have two children.
The Revd Simon Bray said: “I am delighted, if somewhat surprised, to be taking on this role, and I am very much looking forward to working with the teams both at Bishopthorpe and the Diocese, and to all that there will be to learn and to contribute. My family and I are looking forward both to many new things, and also to reacquainting ourselves with York life. I am excited, of course, to have the opportunity to work with the Archbishop as he continues to lead and to watch over the church in this Diocese. I am particularly pleased to be able to play my part at this time when God is calling us to growth and health and to reaching those we currently don't.”
The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, welcomed Simon's appointment, saying, "It will be a joy to have Simon on the Bishopthorpe team. He brings with him a good deal of local knowledge as well as a lively venturesome faith. The role of the domestic chaplain is a demanding one, but one in which Simon is well-equipped for. Please join me in praying for Simon and his family as they begin a new chapter."
- Simon succeeds The Revd Richard Carew as Archbishop’s Domestic Chaplain who is now Vicar of Dringhouses (York).