Suffolk: Canon Rich Henderson gets top Church of England job

Revd Canon Rich Henderson who is currently a rector of Beccles with Worlingham, North Cove and Barnby, as well as rural dean of Waveney and Blyth, has been appointed the new archdeacon for Suffolk.

Canon Henderson, who has been in the diocese for 17 years, was one of the first supporters of food banks and is an honorary canon at St Edmundsbury Cathedral.

Archdeacon elect Canon Rich Henderson and Bishop Martin Seeley, Keith Mindham (Image: Keith Mindham)

He said: “‘I’m thrilled to be appointed and looking forward to working with the clergy, churchwardens and people across the archdeaconry.

‘‘I’m passionate about enabling parishes to grow and I’m looking forward to getting to know people right across the archdeaconry.

‘‘Beccles has within its DNA service to the community. Throughout the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis we have done a huge amount together, including pop-up foodbank shops, uniform banks, providing food to families in the school holidays and practical help for the community we serve.

‘‘I will really miss the people in the community who I served with in Beccles, they are amazing and so committed.’’

Canon Henderson has served in Beccles for seven years in his current role, and previously three years as curate too.

He will be installed to his new role as an archdeacon in a ceremony at St Edmundsbury Cathedral in Bury St Edmunds on May 14.

Archdeacon elect Canon Rich Henderson, Keith Mindham (Image: Keith Mindham)

Archdeacons are key members of the bishop’s senior staff responsible for supporting parishes and clergy and furthering church mission, reporting directly to the bishop.

There are three archdeacons in the St Edmundsbury and Ipswich Diocese and the archdeacon of Suffolk is a role that dates back to 1119 AD.