An Archdeaconry is a large area in the diocese that is overseen by an Archdeacon. There are three Archdeaconries in the Diocese of York: Archdeaconry of York, Archdeaconry of Cleveland and Archdeaconry of East Riding.
The Church of England describes the role of an archdeacon as ‘being a good steward so that others are freed to be the worshipping, witnessing and ministering Church.’ Your archdeacons are officers of the Archbishop and work closely with the suffragan bishop in their archdeaconry.
Archdeacon of Cleveland
Amanda served as Priest in Charge of Holy Trinity Bembridge, on the Isle of Wight, and Assistant Diocesan Director of Ordinands in the Diocese of Portsmouth.
Ordained in 2004, she previously served as Chaplain and Diocesan Advisor in Women’s Ministry to the Bishop of Oxford, and as Area Director of Ordinands for Berkshire.
She undertook Doctoral research in Clergy Wellbeing and has a keen interest in the flourishing of those engaged in ministry. She has also served as a Chaplain to the Army Cadet Force. Amanda is married to Mark and has two grown-up daughters.
Archdeacon of York
Liz has been Archdeacon of York since January 2026. Previously, she served as a priest in multi-parish ministry in the East Riding, rural North Yorkshire and the City of York, including five years as Area Dean of Easingwold. She also represents York Diocese on the General Synod of the Church of England. Liz teaches occasionally at the York School of Ministry. Her theological interests include apologetics and doctrine, as well as the spirituality of craft.
Archdeacon of the East Riding
Tim became Archdeacon of the East Riding in 2026 having served as a rector and Area Dean in Beverley.
As Archdeacon, Tim supports local ministry across the East Riding, helping churches to grow in confidence as they serve their communities and share the good news of Jesus.
There are a variety of duties that fall to archdeacons, including being a member of many diocesan boards and committees, holding visitations, helping parishes look after their buildings via the faculty system, clergy discipline, pastoral reorganisation, encouraging safeguarding and inducting priests into their new benefices. In effect, all that we do is pastoral – we help parishes to do the things they want to do, making sure that they’re done safely, appropriately and well.
You’ll find more information below.
Legal Responsibilities of an Archdeacon
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