We are sad to announce that Rev Iain Bendrey, our Strategic Lead for Children, Youth and Young Adult ministry, will be leaving the Diocese in Europe at the end of August. Here he tells us more and reflects on some of his time ministering within our Diocese:

"It is with much sadness that I will be leaving the Diocese in Europe on 31st August, having been in Lisbon as Assistant Chaplain for 5.5 years and Strategic Lead for Children, Youth and Young Adult ministry for 2 years.

Travelling Europe has been such a blast. I have met amazing chaplains across all of Europe, working hard to make their chaplaincies places of warmth and welcome for those seeking new adventures. I have met many, many dedicated and committed children and youth workers and volunteers, working hard to support our young people to grow in confidence as faithful, active disciples. I've met shed loads of great young people who have a deep faith and a real passion and love for the Anglican Church and all it offers (who would have thought Thomas Aquinas and Augustine of Hippo would make people happy).

I leave the Diocese with a great strategy, developed with the support of the Head of Strategy, Ella. It is a strategy that will recognise children and youth ministry as a vocation, supporting and resourcing our amazing children and youth workers and volunteers. Giving them confidence and the resources to develop and build up this pivotal ministry. And it is a strategy that will give our young people a voice in their chaplaincies, the Diocese and the wider church, helping them be confident to share their faith with their friends and explore how God is calling them to be future leaders in the church. My final act is to hold a third Our Voice Counts gathering for young people in Freiburg at the end of July.

My new role will be Lead for Growing Younger in the Diocese of Norwich. I will effectively be doing a similar job helping Norwich to formulate a strategy for this ministry, as well as supporting the delivery of C&Y ministry across Norfolk. And the best thing is that I have an office and a great team.

So, to my colleagues in Tufton Street, thank you so much for your friendship, support and collegiality. And to every one of you, committed to this vital ministry, a great big thank you for supporting our young people. Be encouraged and blessed in your ministry and I will continue to pray for the strategy as it is rolled out.

OH, and if you are ever Norwich way, come and visit. Apparently, it is the happiest place to live in the UK: I will let you know. Blessings and goodbye."

We are of course very sad to see Iain leave us, but full of gratitude for all he has given to so many of us.  We are particularly grateful for all he has so enthusiastically instigated, for example, the much-loved youth gatherings, and the piloting of new training courses for children and youth workers across the Diocese.

We are excited to continue to build on his vital work in championing our children and young people.  At this time, however, we particularly ask you for prayers for Iain.  That he settles into his new role in the UK quickly and for safe, easy transitions.