The new Archdeacon of Northumberland has been announced.

The Bishop of Newcastle, the Right Reverend Christine Hardman, has appointed Reverend Canon Rachel Wood.

Rachel has been Acting Archdeacon since November 2020 when Mark Wroe, previously Archdeacon of Northumberland, moved to become Bishop of Berwick.

Rachel is currently vicar at St Mary Monkseaton in Whitley Bay.

Bishop Christine said: "Rachel has been a much loved and respected Vicar at St Mary Monkseaton and while they will be sad to see her move on, it means the wider Church can benefit from the wisdom and leadership she has demonstrated since becoming Acting Archdeacon last year.

"Over the last few months, she has helped lead us through what has been an extremely challenging time with the coronavirus pandemic, and one from which we are hopefully about to emerge.

"Rachel will be key in helping us work through our ongoing programme of change, called 'growing church bringing hope: next steps' as we reimagine what mission and ministry will look like this in this Diocese to create the space for the transformation that God brings."

The Bishop of Berwick, the Right Reverend Mark Wroe said: "Rachel will be much missed at St Mary Monkseaton, but in her time as Acting Archdeacon she has brought a great mix of wisdom and compassion which now more of us in the Diocese can benefit from.

"There is a lovely phrase in the Book of Esther which for me sums up Rachel's appointment: 'for such a time as this'. We are all very much looking forward to working with her."

Rachel said: "I feel privileged to be asked to serve the Diocese in this new way as Archdeacon of Northumberland at this exciting time of opportunity and change with 'growing church bringing hope: next steps'. 

"I am looking forward to working with the brilliant congregations and communities across the city, North Tyneside and Northumberland as together as Diocese we recognise, celebrate and share Christ's presence in this wonderful place."

Once Rachel is officially installed later this year as Archdeacon, she will become known as the Venerable Rachel Wood.