Welwyn’s Team Rector appointed Bishop of Thetford
L to R Tasha, Pippa, Alan and Sarah Winton
Canon Alan Winton, one of Hertfordshire’s best-liked clergy, is being lost to the Diocese of St Albans (covering Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire) but for the best of reasons. He is to be Bishop of Thetford, Norfolk, in the Diocese of Norwich.
Downing Street's announcement here
Norwich Diocese's announcement here
Pictures: The Bishop of Norwich and the Bishop of Lynn with Canon and Mrs Winton
Canon Winton will leave the parish of Welwyn where he has been Team Rector for ten years later this year and will be consecrated as a bishop on 29th September in St Paul’s Cathedral, the same place where he was first ordained in 1991.
The news, announced today by Downing Street, was greeted with tributes from some of those who have worked and worshipped with Canon Winton.
The Bishop of Hertford, the Rt Revd Christopher Foster, said: “With Alan Winton’s new appointment, the Diocese of St Albans is losing a gifted pastor, theologian and teacher, qualities which make his appointment great news for the Diocese of Norwich.
“He has been an excellent priest in parish ministry; in suburban north London, in rural Hertfordshire and latterly in Welwyn and the surrounding villages where he has inspired collaboration and the establishment of a Team ministry.
“As Chairman of our diocesan Board for Christian Development he has led our strategic thinking on patterns of ministry for mission, in particular, and over a wide and complex range of diverse issues.
“He has a huge capacity for wise and reasoned thinking. In all this he has been a respected and loving leader. We shall miss him, Pippa and their daughters. I am confident he will be equally valued and effective in Norfolk.”
Sir Philip Mawer, a parishioner and also formerly Secretary-General to the General Synod, the Church’s parliament, said: "Alan Winton is a much-loved and respected Rector of Welwyn.
“He has strengthened the church’s contribution to all aspects of community life throughout the Welwyn Team.
“His care for people, his brilliant teaching of the Christian Gospel and his unfussy leadership will make him an excellent bishop for the people of Norfolk."
The Archdeacon of Hertford said: “I welcome Alan’s appointment as bishop of Thetford which is good news for the Church and the diocese of Norwich. He is a wise and caring pastor, theologically acute and has the gentle gift of friendship.
“He was the right choice to succeed Bishop Chris Foster as chairman of our diocesan Board for Christian Development where he has not only shaped policy for mission and ministry but has also encouraged the development of officers in their key roles of support and innovation in the deaneries and benefices of the diocese.
“We worked closely together in the shaping of the Welwyn team ministry creating flexibility, growth and collaboration in that area. These things are among the rich legacy he leaves this diocese as he moves on to the next phase of his ministry.”
The Revd Coralie McCluskey, Team Vicar in the Welwyn Team ministry and therefore a colleague of Canon Winton, said “One of the things I shall miss most about Alan and shall always remember is his ability to reach anyone with compassion and hope.
“Another thing is that I have seldom seen him without a book! He is a voracious reader.”
Canon Winton has been serving the Diocese of St Albans for longer than his ten years in Welwyn, becoming Priest in Charge of St Paul’s Walden in 1995, straight after his first post (known as serving his title) in North London. His time in the diocese has also included four years from 1995-1999 caring for the training needs of priests in post in Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire and, since 2001, chairing the Diocese’s Board for Christian Development – a role previously carried out by the Bishop of Hertford.
Alan, 50, is married to Pippa, also a priest, who works as a counsellor in London. They have two daughters, Sarah and Tasha.
Ends
