Diocese of York The Archbishop of York, in collaboration with the Bishop of Selby, invites applications for the role of Archdeacon of York, following the appointment of the Venerable Sam Rushton as Diocesan Secretary for the Diocese of Lichfield. A Ministry of Leadership and Service Our Archdeacons play a vital role in the life of the Diocese, offering priestly, pastoral, and teaching leadership. Working closely with the bishops and the York Diocesan Leadership Team (YDLT), they help shape the culture and direction of the Diocese, enabling and resourcing the Church’s structures to serve God’s mission. Through membership of the Diocesan Leadership Team (YDLT) and Archbishop’s Council (which in York serves as the board of trustees of the DBF), the Archdeacons share in the formation of strategy for leadership and oversight across the diocese, with particular statutory responsibility for certain matters related to church buildings, ministerial discipline and capability, and the ordering of parish life.
* Experience of supporting and enabling the ministry of others;
* Strong communication and listening skills;
* A commitment to personal spiritual growth in a role that is not rooted in a single worshipping community.
The Diocese of York Spanning from the Humber to the Tees and from the A1 to the Yorkshire coast, the Diocese of York is the Church of England’s largest by area. It encompasses a rich variety of communities, from urban centres like Hull, Middlesbrough, and York to deeply rural parishes. The Diocese is marked by economic and cultural diversity, with areas of both affluence and significant deprivation. The Archdeaconry of York The Archdeaconry of York comprises seven deaneries, each with its own unique context and challenges, covering a 20-mile radius around the historic city of York. It is predominantly rural but includes some larger towns and settlements including Selby, Malton, Easingwold, Tadcaster and Pocklington. York itself is a city of national significance, rich in history and heritage, and home to York Minster. The city’s churches play a vital role in welcoming over 8 million visitors annually, offering opportunities for mission and hospitality. The Archdeacon will work closely with the Bishop of Selby (who holds delegated episcopal authority for the Archdeaconry), the other Archdeacons, and the Diocesan Secretary. This is a role of spiritual leadership, pastoral care, and administrative oversight. The Archdeacon acts as a bridge-builder, encourager, and enabler—supporting clergy and lay leaders, and helping to discern and implement God’s mission across the Archdeaconry. Personal Qualities In accordance with the Canons of the Church of England, applicants must have been in holy orders for at least six years and be in priest’s orders at the time of appointment. The successful candidate will be an experienced priest with a deep understanding of the Church of England, a proven commitment to church growth, and a track record of collaborative leadership.. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. It is a requirement for an appointment to an ecclesiastical office in the Diocese of York that you must have undertaken the prescribed safeguarding training, and any offer made will be subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS disclosure. We are committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion and welcome applications from disabled candidates and those from UKME heritage as these groups are under-represented in our staff. Only fully completed applications through Pathways will be accepted; applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Closing date for applications 7 September 2025 (midnight) Preliminary interview date 22 September 2025 in York Final interview with the Archbishop 28 September 2025 in Bishopthorpe