Rev Canon Richard Lamey has been appointed as the Director of Mission and Ministry in the Diocese of Norwich, with the goal of supporting parishes, clergy, and lay leaders in the local church while also promoting discipleship and vocations. The new post is funded through grants from the Church Commissioners and the Anne French Memorial Trust, and Richard is set to begin his role in September. The Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Rev Graham Usher, expressed excitement about Richard joining the diocese, citing his extensive experience in mission and ministry at both the parish and diocesan levels as valuable assets for the position.
Tim Sweeting, the Diocesan Secretary for the Diocese of Norwich, highlighted Richard’s role as a key leader within the Parish Support Team and emphasized his importance in supporting local mission and ministry efforts, as well as nurturing discipleship and vocations. Richard himself expressed his enthusiasm for the new role, stating his excitement about moving to Norwich, getting to know the area and churches of the diocese, and working with a committed team to support and encourage the local church in prayer, pastoral care, and prophetic ministry. He also looks forward to learning from and building upon the successes of parishes, chaplaincies, and new congregations across the diocese.
Richard Lamey currently serves as the Rector of the Parish of St Paul in Wokingham in the Diocese of Oxford, as well as holding positions as Area Dean of Sonning, member of Bishop’s Council, and Young Vocations Champion for the Archdeaconry of Berkshire. The Bishop of Oxford, the Rt Revd Dr Steven Croft, commended Richard for his 12 years of service in Wokingham and the wider diocese, acknowledging his exceptional contributions to pastoral life within the parish community. Richard’s departure from Wokingham will be keenly felt, and he and his family are preparing for a new adventure in Norwich, with support and prayers from their current community.
In his personal life, Richard Lamey is married to Becca, a Secondary Maths Teacher, and has three children and a Border Collie named Bramble. He enjoys reading, running, following American Football, and participating in family challenges such as walking the Thames Path. The Lamey family is eagerly anticipating the opportunity to explore Norfolk and its long-distance paths, indicating their readiness to embrace the new chapter in their lives as Richard takes on his role in the Diocese of Norwich.
