There are three Archdeacons in the Diocese of Durham overseeing the Archdeaconries of Auckland, Durham, and Sunderland. Here’s a little more information to introduce each of them.
The Venerable Libby Wilkinson
Archdeacon of Durham and Director of Mission, Discipleship & Ministry
Libby has served in Durham Diocese since she was ordained deacon in 2005, serving as a curate in Gateshead Deanery followed by two incumbencies, one in the former Houghton-le-Spring Deanery and one in Wearmouth. She was also Area Dean of Houghton-le-Spring for a couple of years.
As well as being the Archdeacon for Durham and Lanchester deaneries, Libby is responsible for Mission, Discipleship and Ministry (MDM) across the Diocese, and has the privilege of working with the rest of the MDM team, who she commends as a great asset to the Diocese and who carry out a large range of tasks and responsibilities.
For Libby, discipleship is at the heart of what it means to be a Christian. She is passionate about supporting those who follow Jesus to grow and develop in faith, with the aim of becoming confident disciples who know their identity in Christ, and who live out their faith in every part of their lives.
Before her ordination, Libby worked in the insurance industry – initially in a claims department and then working as a Business Analyst at a head office.
Libby is married with two grown-up children and a Labrador. She loves pub quizzes, plays the flute and is part of a community choir.
Email: archdeacon.of.durham@durham.anglican.org
Tel: 01388 604 515 or 07436 399 917
PA: Mrs Kate Martin
Email: kate.martin@durham.anglican.org
Tel: 0191 374 6017
The Venerable Katherine Bagnall, Archdeacon of Sunderland
Katherine has served in the Diocese of Durham since ordination in 2005, serving one year as SSM curate in Monkwearmouth, before moving to Darlington, St Mark as stipendiary curate. She moved to Sunderland, St Mary and St Peter within the Group of the Annunciation in 2010. Katherine has enjoyed being an honorary canon of Durham Cathedral since 2022 and serving as Assistant Archdeacon before being appointed Archdeacon.
During her ministry, Katherine has enjoyed setting up community projects and social opportunities to build and grow community, who then may see the role of the Church, which they may not otherwise encounter. Seeing people come to faith as a response to loving service has always proved a great joy, as well as experiencing those people continuing to invest in and grow community further.
Katherine has always had a passion for seeing God’s call on the lives of his people and helping discern and develop those calls. She has served as a Vocations Adviser, led Ministry Experience Volunteer schemes and been a Bishop’s Adviser in lay and ordained ministry and Shared Discernment both locally and nationally. A great joy has been training curate colleagues and supporting lay ministries.
Prior to ordination, Katherine’s career was in Social Services and Education.
Katherine is married to Derek. She loves enjoying our stunning North East coastline, especially with their Cocker Spaniel, Louie and cooking for family and friends.
Email: Archdeacon.of.Sunderland@durham.anglican.org
Tel: 07442580170
PA: Mrs Kate Martin
Email: kate.martin@durham.anglican.org
Tel: 07384510731
Archdeacon of Auckland
This position is currently vacant.