The Revd Canon Zolile Escourt Mbali
It is with sadness that we announce the death of The Revd Canon Zolile Mbali, aged 84, on Tuesday 15 April 2025.
Announcements
The Revd Canon Jonathan Dowman
With grateful thanks for his ministry and prayers of blessing for the future, we announce that The Revd Canon Jonathan Dowman, currently Oversight Minister, Growing Faith Enabler and Co-Area Dean in the Launde Minister Community and Deanery - having previously been seconded from the role of Parish Transition & Ministry Development Enabler Pioneering - has been appointed as Rector of the Glaven Valley Benefice in the Diocese of Norwich. Jonathan’s final Sunday in the benefice will be 29 June 2025 with a final ministry day of 8 July 2025, before being licensed in the Diocese of Norwich on Monday 28 July 2025 at 7pm at St Nicholas, Blakeney. Arrangements are in place to enable the provision of interim oversight ministry for the Minster Community pending the appointment of a permanent new Oversight Minister.
The Revd Dr Robin (Rob) Hay
With grateful thanks for his ministry and prayers of blessing for the future, we announce that The Revd Dr Rob Hay, Head of Learning and Ministry Development within the Parish Transition & Ministry Development Department, will be leaving his post as of the 30 April 2025. This post is being made redundant and follows a recent diocesan budget review which has necessitated a number of staffing reductions in different areas of diocesan operations and ministry over the past six months to reduce the current budget deficit. As of the 1 May 2025, Rob will be granted the Bishop’s Permission to Officiate in the Diocese of Leicester.
Kat Gibson
With grateful thanks for her ministry, prayers of blessing for the future but also with sadness, we announce that Kat Gibson’s employment as Intercultural Pioneer Minister, and accompanying Lay Ministry licence, will be ending with effect from 30 April 2025. This announcement follows the ending of national fixed term funding for this role at a time when alternative diocesan funding is not available due to the current budget deficit. Anyone affected by this announcement who would value support is welcome to contact Richard Worsfold, Archdeacon of Leicester (Richard.Worsfold@LeicesterCofE.org).
The Revd Ian Hill
With grateful thanks for his ministry and prayers of blessing for the future, we announce that The Revd Ian Hill, Associate Minister in the Fosse Team, will be retiring from Sunday 15 June 2025. This date will mark Ian’s final Sunday in the Team.
The Revd Dr Andy Hartropp
With grateful thanks for his ministry and prayers of blessing for the future, we announce that The Revd Dr Andy Hartropp, Rector in the Benefice of Ibstock with Heather, will be retiring from Monday 30 June 2025. Andy’s final Sunday in the Benefice will be Sunday 29 June.
The Revd Andrew Micklethwaite
With grateful thanks for his ministry and prayers of blessing for the future, we announce that The Revd Andrew Micklethwaite, Associate Priest at Holy Apostles, will be retiring from Sunday 11 May 2025. This date will mark Andrew’s final Sunday in the Benefice.
Revd Jane Walker
We are pleased to announce the appointment of The Revd Jane Walker, currently Associate Priest in the Benefice of the Burrough Hill Parishes, as Priest-in-Charge in the Benefice of the Burrough Hill Parishes. Jane will be licensed by The Rt Revd Saju Muthalaly, Bishop of Loughborough, on Sunday 11 May 2025 at 4pm at All Saints Somerby. All are warmly welcome to attend.
Revd Paul Betts
Further to the announcement dated Friday 21 February 2025, advising that The Revd Paul Betts has been appointed as Rector in the Benefice of Bosworth, we can now confirm that Paul’s final service in his current Benefice will be Sunday 25 May 2025, at St Thomas the Apostle, South Wigston, at 10am. Paul will be collated and inducted by the Bishop of Loughborough, The Rt Revd Saju Muthalaly, on Sunday 1 June 2025 at 6.30pm at St Peter, Market Bosworth. All are warmly welcome to attend.
The Revd Steve Delaforce
We are pleased to announce the appointment of The Revd Steve Delaforce as Associate Priest in the Parish of Swithland. Steve will continue to hold the Bishop’s Permission To Officiate concurrently.