New Rural Officer appointed to strengthen rural ministry in the west of the Diocese of Chichester

Derek Welsman has been appointed Rural Officer for the west of the Diocese of Chichester.

Derek said: "Growing up in an urban environment I never imagined that rural ministry would become such a big part of my life, having now spent 24 years as a rural priest, I have grown to love rural ministry and am passionate about how important this ministry is to so many rural communities. Working alongside Gary Cregeen (Rural Officer for the East) I look forward to supporting and promoting rural ministry and all its challenges at the heart of diocesan life."

Derek added: "We want to support rural communities who find being church more and more difficult in the ever-changing world in which we live. My passion is that the mission of Christ is found everywhere in our Diocese, and particularly in our rural parishes."

Gary said: "It is just brilliant to have a colleague, and we share these passions. They couldn't be a better advocate for rural ministry than Derek."

A focus for both rural officers will be building confidence and providing visibility for the vital work already happening within local villages and rural parishes.

Gary said: "A great aspect of our work is to really bring encouragement and to create confidence in lots of our rural churches and communities who actually are often punching above their weight and doing tremendous things. Often they just need that reminder that they're part of something amazing going on - yet often unseen and unrecognised."

With officers now serving both East and West Sussex, the Diocese aims to foster stronger connections, shared resources, and renewed encouragement for rural congregations.