Here is a summary of recent appointments, resignations, retirements and deaths in the Diocese of Durham.
Appointments
The Bishop of Durham is pleased to announce that Revd Dr Ros Lane, Senior Chaplain for Cambridgeshire & Peterborough NHS Trust in the Diocese of Ely, has been appointed as Rector of Brancepeth St Brandon. The Collation and Induction will be held at 7.00pm on Tuesday 30 June 2026. Please hold Ros and the parish in your prayers as they prepare for this new chapter.
Licensing
The Bishop of Durham is pleased to announce that Revd Anne Robertson, curate of Durham St Giles, Shadforth and Sherburn is to be licensed as Curate of Cockerton St Mary. Bishop Frank White will license Anne in a service at Auckland Castle on 3 June 2026. Please hold Anne and her new Training Incumbent Fr Damon Bage in your prayers.
Farewells
The Bishop of Durham has accepted the resignation of Revd Dr Tim Wall, Interim Priest in Charge of Newbottle St Matthew. Tim will be leaving this post on 27 June 2026, remaining Director of Foundational Learning and Elizabeth Pathway Tutor with Lindisfarne College of Theology. Please be praying for Tim and his family as they move, and the parish as they prepare for a vacancy.
The Bishop of Durham has accepted the resignation of The Revd Canon Eileen Harrop as Priest in Charge of Gainford and Winston in Plurality and Ingleton St John with Staindrop St Mary in Plurality with effect from the end of May 2026. Bishop Rick thanks Eileen for her ministry in these parishes, and to the wider diocese in roles including UKME Adviser. Please pray for Eileen as she offers ministry in the Diocese of Carlisle and continues in national roles, and for the parishes here as they prepare for a vacancy.
The Bishop of Durham announces that Revd Martin Jackson will retire as Vicar of Benfieldside St Cuthbert and Priest in Charge of Castleside St John on 6 July 2026. All are welcome to a Farewell Eucharist at St Cuthbert’s on Saturday 4 July at 3.00pm. Bishop Rick would like to thank Martin for all the ways in which he has served this diocese during 45 years of ordained ministry and wishes him a long and happy retirement.
The Acting Bishop of Durham announces that the Revd Canon Yvonne Greener will retire from her post as Priest in Charge of Low Fell St Helen and Associate Priest of Bensham and Teams St Chad on 24 May 2026. Bishop Frank would like to thank Yvonne for her ministry, including as Area Dean of Gateshead, and wishes her a long and happy retirement.
The Acting Bishop of Durham announces that the Revd Frances Cooper will retire from her post as SSM Associate Minister at Shildon St John and Eldon St Mark on 31 May 2026. Bishop Frank would like to thank Frances for all the ways in which she has served the diocese over the years and wishes her a long and happy retirement.
Deaths
The Revd Staurt (Ben) Bennett
The Bishop of Durham was saddened to hear of the death of the Revd Stuart (Ben) Bennett on 26th May 2026 at the age of 64.
Born in 1961, he trained for ordination at St John’s College Nottingham, gaining a BA in 2002. He was ordained deacon the same year and priest in 2003, serving his curacy at Consett 2002-2006. He then became priest in charge of Castleside until 2011, when he took early retirement on health grounds.
His funeral is on Monday 22nd June at 2.30pm at the Crematorium in Coundon, near Bishop Auckland, and then at the RAFA club in Crook. Please hold all who knew and loved Stuart in your prayers at this sad time.
The Revd Tim Atkins RIP
The Bishop of Durham was saddened to hear of the sudden death of the Revd Tim Atkins on 17th March 2026 in the James Cook Hospital .
Born in 1938, Tim trained for ordination at Cuddesdon College and was ordained deacon in 1964 and priest a year later. He served curacies in Stafford and Loughborough before coming to the Diocese as Curate of Usworth in 1969. Between 1971-1976 he held a Licence to Officiate in Newcastle Diocese, and was then Priest in Charge of Slaley 1976-1987 and Shotley 1987-2005. He then served as Newcastle Diocesan Protection Advisor until retiring in 2006.
In his retirement he came to Witton le Wear Parish and the church there 15 years leadership supporting the Church Family. Ill health meant he had to give up his PTO but he remained a great supporter of the laity. He celebrated his Diamond Jubilee of ordination last September. He is remembered as a loving Priest and Pastor.
Please hold Tim’s widow, Kate and their family in your prayers at this sad time.