The Rev Ruth Worsley, who is a chaplain to the Queen, is to become the first female Archdeacon of Wiltshire, the Salisbury diocese announced today (Monday).
Currently parish development officer for the Diocese of Southwark in London, 50-year-old Mrs Worsley will be taking up her new post next month.
She will be responsible to Bishop Nicholas Holtam for the life and work of the parishes in the deaneries across the south of the county, as well as additional diocesan-wide responsibilities.
“We are delighted to be welcoming Ruth to take up the particular responsibilities associated with being Archdeacon of Wiltshire,” said Bishop Holtam, former vicar of St Martin’s in the Field, in London’s Trafalgar Square.
“She has a welcome blend of parish, deanery and diocesan experience which is just what we need as we continue to develop our sense of renewal in mission.”
Mrs Worsley, who is married to Howard Worsley, who is also a priest. They have three sons – Nathanael, Jonathan and Benjamin.
The new Archdeacon said: “I’m delighted to be moving to the wilds of Wiltshire from balmy Bermondsey. I’m looking forward to working with a great bunch of people who are seeking to discover more of God.”
“Living in a family of men who are ‘outdoorsy’, I admit I’d rather curl up in front of an open fire with a good book. However, a friend has offered to take me fly fishing!”