The Revd Canon Paul Cowan will become the next Associate Archdeacon of Berkshire, following the Revd Liz Jackson's departure.
Paul has been Senior Chaplain to Bishop Steven for the last eight years, providing pastoral, liturgical and technical support. Alongside his work with Bishop Steven, Paul has been integral to establishing networks and initiatives which support the wellbeing of clergy, and laity throughout the diocese, and throughout the Covid pandemic chaired the diocesan emergency planning group.
Pastoral care has been at the heart of Paul’s ministry, having served as a parish priest in Newbury for 11 years, a one-year placement in Kimberley South Africa at the end of his curacy, and prior to ordination was a therapist in an alcohol drug rehabilitation unit for homeless men. This pastoral and therapeutic experience has led to Paul being part of the establishment of the diocese LGBTQIA+ chaplaincy network and the Survivor Reference Group.
Bishop Mary said: "I’m delighted that Paul has agreed to join the Berkshire Area team as Associate Archdeacon. He is well known and much respected across the area and the diocese for his deep commitment to developing and maintaining good relationships, for his rich spirituality, and for the wisdom borne of both parish ministry and serving as Bishop Steven’s chaplain. Throughout the appointment process, Paul demonstrated each of these qualities, together with a straightforward honesty, warmth and humour. We are so looking forward to all that he will bring to our life and ministry together."
Paul said: “I am so looking forward to serving, supporting and ministering alongside our church communities across the Berkshire archdeaconry. I was a curate and incumbent in the archdeaconry and have continued to live in Newbury throughout my time as Bishop Steven’s chaplain. I’m also delighted to be working alongside Bishop Mary, Stephen and the Berkshire team. The sadness amongst these next steps will be leaving the wonderful people of Church House and especially the Oxford area team, all of whom have become dear friends. One thing though that I’ll not miss…the regular commute along the A34!”