The Ven Dr Amanda Bloor will retire as Archdeacon of Cleveland at Easter 2027, having served the Archdeaconry of Cleveland and the wider Diocese of York for the past seven years.
Reflecting on her time in the role, Amanda said: “It’s been a huge privilege to serve as Archdeacon of Cleveland since early 2020. I’ve worked with some amazing colleagues and loved getting to know people and places, seeing God at work in so many varied and exciting ways across this beautiful patch of North Yorkshire.
“It will be a wrench to leave you all, but I’m confident that God has good things in store and I’m looking forward to discovering what they might be.”
Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York, said: “Amanda has served the people and parishes of Cleveland with great faithfulness, wisdom and kindness. I’m deeply grateful for all she has given to the Diocese of York, particularly through the challenges and opportunities of recent years. We give thanks for her ministry, pray for God’s blessing as she prepares for retirement, and look forward to seeing what new adventures God has in store for her.”
Barry Hill, Bishop of Whitby, said: “Amanda has been such a great gift from God across the Archdeaconry of Cleveland and wider diocese these past six and a half years, and we will miss her very greatly. Her God-centred wisdom, rooted in a deep personal faith, her care for people and places expressed in excellence of process, her pastoral and missional instincts, and customary gentle calmness, no matter what the circumstances, have made a significant missional difference to those whom she has served so diligently.
“Navigating being licensed in the bishop’s garden, socially distancing, at the very start of lockdown, has exemplified Amanda’s ability not to be fazed and her considerable personal resilience. I join with so many across the diocese in owing Amanda a great personal debt of gratitude for these past two years of gracious colleagueship and friendship.
“Supported throughout by Mark and the wider family, may we pray for Amanda as she prepares to ‘retire’, knowing that God still has much in store for and through her.”
A farewell service of Evensong will take place at St Mary’s, Thirsk, on Sunday 14th March 2027 at 4.00pm. Booking details will follow in the coming days.
