The Archbishop of York has today announced the appointment of the Venerable Sam Rushton as the new Archdeacon of York.
The Archbishop said: “It is with joy and gladness that I can announce the translation of Archdeacon Sam to be Archdeacon of York. It seemed good to us and to the Holy Spirit that Sam’s translation was the right thing to do. Please pray for her, and for the appointment of her successor to the Cleveland Archdeaconry.”
Archdeacon Sam said: ‘It will be really sad to leave Cleveland Archdeaconry where I’ve enjoyed four great years getting to know people and parishes, but I’m looking forward to getting to know the landscape and people of the Vale of York. As a result of my time in Cleveland, I will carry into my new role a much better understanding of the joys and challenges of places of urban and coastal deprivation and deep rural contexts which I hope will help me in furthering our diocesan vision of generosity and mutual resourcing.’
Paul Ferguson, Bishop of Whitby commented: “Sam has brought energy, enthusiasm and a passion for people to flourish as disciples of Christ, as well as perceptive insights on practical and financial matters. We shall miss her from this Archdeaconry, but it is so good that she will still be a close colleague within our one diocese. I am enormously grateful for the four years we have spent ministering together in Cleveland. Please join in praying for her and her husband Peter, as they settle into their new home and pattern of work and ministry.”
Bishop of Selby, Dr. John Thomson, said: "I am delighted that the Venerable Sam Rushton is to be the next Archdeacon of York. Sam brings a sharp mind, a pastoral heart, financial intelligence and a passion for the Gospel. I look forward to working with her."
Archdeacon Sam will be collated as Archdeacon of York in York Minster on Wednesday 9 October. She succeeds the Venerable Sarah Bullock, who became the Area Bishop of Shrewsbury in July this year. The Revd Canon John Weetman has been the Acting Archdeacon of York since June and will continue in this role until October.
Sam Rushton first came to York Diocese in 2015 when she took on the role of Archdeacon for Cleveland. Prior to that she was in the Diocese of Bristol where she was the Diocesan Adviser for Licensed Ministry, Warden of Readers, Area Dean of Chippenham and Associate Minister of the North Chippenham Group of Churches.