The Anglican Church Basel (ACB) is delighted to announce the appointment of its new Chaplain: the Revd Dr Dorothea Bertschmann. Taking up this role at ACB is especially exciting and meaningful for Dorothea as she was born in Basel.

Dorothea was formally licensed by the Archdeacon of France and Switzerland (the Ven Dr Peter Hooper) at a service on Sunday 3 May 2026 

Dorothea said: "My licensing on the 3rd of May 2026 was a joyful and moving occasion. Archbishop Peter Hooper led through it in a dignified and refreshing way and many, many others contributed to a wonderful service, which was followed by a fabulous reception. Many thanks for the warm welcome, for your prayers and support at both ACB and ICS. “

Dorothea describes herself as formed by a number of theological traditions and church homes. Her father was a Pastor in the Swiss Reformed Church (among other places at the ‘Dalbe Kirche’). After her theological studies at the University of Bern, Dorothea spent part of her curacy in Basel. She then served five years as a Swiss Reformed Church Pastor in the Emmental. Dorothea moved to Durham in 2007 for her doctoral studies and was later a lecturer in New Testament Studies at the Theology Department. She was confirmed into the Anglican church in 2017, being ordained priest in 2021.

She comes to ACB from ten years as tutor in Biblical Studies and eight years as Dean of Academic Studies at Mirfield Theological College in the north of England. A significant element of her post was her pastoral responsibility for her students, and she held particularly close to her heart her role in encouraging them to find their own voices. Additionally, over the last five years, Dorothea served as an Associate Priest at Dewsbury Team Parish in West Yorkshire. Dorothea is passionate about equipping God’s people for mission in God’s world and about growing faith across generations.

Dorothea is excited to pastor a diverse and international church. She is looking forward to building upon ACB’s ecumenical relationships and to forging new links with the local community.