Fresh Salop archdeacon confirmed as one of two major church appointments

The Lichfield Diocese has revealed that the Rev Nick Watson is to be the next Archdeacon of Salop and the Rev Canon Elizabeth Jackson will be the new Archdeacon of Walsall.

They will both commence their ministry on Sunday, May 4, when they will be installed at 3.30pm Choral Evensong at Lichfield Cathedral.

The Rt Revd Dr Michael Ipgrave, Bishop of Lichfield, said said both would be ideal for the future of the church.

He said: “We have found two remarkable priests who have a variety of gifts and experience that will make them effective, pastoral and mission-minded Archdeacons.

"They are an excellent fit for the journey we want to take towards the goals we have set for our diocese for the next five years and beyond.”

 Ordained in 1992, The Rev Nick Watson is no stranger to Lichfield Diocese, having been Team Rector of Wednesfield from 2009 to 2021 and Rural Dean of Wulfrun from 2014.

With experience in rural ministry as well as towns and cities, he is well placed to be the next Archdeacon of Salop. 

Since 2021 he has been Area Dean of Manchester South and Stretford, looking after 35 parishes there, “Half an Archdeaconry,” he observes.

Originally from Winlaton, Co Durham, Rev Nick’s life journey has been largely ‘in the footsteps of St Chad,’ he says light-heartedly, but more deeply disclosing that the Northumbrian saints are still a significant influence on the Christian faith he discovered as a student in Cambridge through a combination of a Franciscan Chaplain and a university mission.

A statement from the Lichfield Diocese said: "In Manchester Diocese he was significantly engaged with their transformation programme and travelled the journey from old to new with his deanery. 

"With recognised coaching gifts and a calm presence, he is known for offering incisive challenge in a supportive manner, stock-in-trade for Archdeacons."

Revd Nick said: “I believe passionately in the local church as the place where people meet most richly with God, the community in which they grow most fully and the means through which God blesses those around them. I look forward to supporting the churches of Salop as we live out our vision and travel towards our goals.”

 The Rev Sarah Bullock, Bishop of Shrewsbury, said: “Revd Nick’s listening and coaching abilities offer much to making our vision a reality in North Shropshire in a more rural and mixed urban setting. It is good to welcome him back to Lichfield Diocese.”

 The Rev David Walker, Bishop of Manchester said: “We’ve been hugely blessed by Nick in his time in Manchester, and will miss him enormously. His ability to engage with clergy and lay people from all traditions, and to help them grow in mission and ministry, will serve him very well as Archdeacon.”

In his spare time, Rev Nick enjoys photography and playing the guitar.