The Diocese of Truro has named the Reverend Kelly Betteridge as the new Archdeacon of Bodmin and Director of Intergenerational Church.
After graduating in 1992 with a degree in education and theology, Kelly began work as a youth and children’s worker. While later working for the Church Pastoral Aid Society (CPAS), she was involved in training and consultancy work with leaders, writing resources and shaping policy relating to children’s ministry. She then became the society’s Intergenerational Church specialist.
Kelly, completed her MA in contextual theology in 2010 at Queens College Birmingham, and was ordained at Coventry Cathedral in the same year. She served as a curate at St Nicolas Nuneaton, and in 2014 she became the vicar of St Nicolas and priest-in-charge of Weddington and Caldecote.
Kelly will be moving to the Diocese of Truro with her husband Simon and cat Benny. Kelly said:
"It has been a privilege to minister among the people of St Nicolas, Nuneaton and St James, Weddington and Caldecote for over eleven years. The people of these parishes have been a blessing to me and taught me much; together we have seen the churches grow, flourish and be a blessing in their wider communties. I look forward to following their journey over the coming years, albeit from a distance!
Leaving will be hard but I am excited to be joining Truro diocese with its rich heritage and mission energy, to play my part in making Christ known in a new context and to supporting clergy and lay leaders in growing churches that conspiciously celebrate children and young people at their heart."
The Bishop of Coventry said:
"Kelly has given so much to the Diocese of Coventry over the years through her work at CPAS, as a Coventry ordinand and in her curacy and incumbency. She’s brought great energy and wisdom to whatever sphere which she’s served and so, though very sorry to be losing her from our life together here, I’m delighted that the Diocese of Truro will be able to benefit from Kelly’s many gifts and her faithful and fruitful ministry.
Although moving home, Simon will be finding ways to continue his lead role at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, so we’ll remain blessed by his ministry to the people of Coventry, Warwickshire and beyond.
May they know the Lord’s blessing in all that lies ahead.”
While her start date has yet to be confirmed, it is expected that Kelly will be in post by late spring or early summer.