Here is a summary of recent appointments, resignations, retirements and deaths in the Diocese of Durham.
Appointments
The Revd Graeme Holdsworth, currently Interim Vicar of Marsden and Slaithwaite with East Scammonden in the Diocese of Leeds has been appointed as Interim Priest in Charge of the Benefice of Upper Weardale and Rural Ministry Lead for the Diocese of Durham, subject to DBS clearance. The Licensing service will be held on 17 February 2026.
The Revd Paul Arnold, currently Priest in Charge, is to be Instituted and Inducted as Vicar of Stockton on Tees St Paul on Monday 9 February.
The Revd Matt Levinsohn, currently Priest in Charge, is to be Instituted as Vicar of Preston on Tees All Saints and Long Newton St Mary on 1 February 2026.
The Revd Rupert Kalus, currently Priest in Charge, is to be Instituted as Vicar of Leam Lane St Andrew on 1 February 2026 at 10.45am.
The Revd Moji Jaiyesimi, formerly Curate in Gainford and Winston, Ingleton and Staindrop is to be SSM Associate Priest of Cockerton St Mary. The Licensing service will be held on 25 January 2026.
The Revd Craig Shaw, formerly a hospital chaplain in the Peterborough Diocese has been appointed as Associate Minister of Holy Trinity Darlington. He will be licensed on 27 January 2026.
Farewells
The Acting Bishop of Durham announces that Revd Canon Caroline Dick will retire from her post as Team Rector of the Durham North Team Ministry on 9 April 2026. Bishop Sarah would like to thank Caroline for all the different ways in which she has served this diocese over the years since she was ordained Deacon in 1988, and wishes her a long and happy retirement. Caroline’s retirement service will be held at All Saints Newton Hall on Thursday 9 April at 6.00pm, followed by a 65th birthday ceilidh at 7.30pm. All who wish to join her to mark this occasion are most welcome – please RSVP to carolineanndick61@gmail.com
The Revd Michael Baldwin, currently Curate in the Benefice of Upper Weardale has been appointed to a Prison Chaplaincy post in the Diocese of Leeds. Michael will be taking up his new role in February 2026. Please be praying for Michael as he prepares for this move.
Deaths
The Revd John Greenwood RIP
The Acting Bishop of Durham was saddened to hear of the death of the Revd John Greenwood on 3rd January 2026. Born in 1944, John trained for the ordained ministry at St Chad’s College in Durham, and was ordained deacon in 1970 and priest a year later. After serving his curacy at Holy Trinity Hartlepool, John then held a Licence to Officiate in the Diocese between 1972-1999, and was the Head Master of Archibald Primary School between 1984-1997. In 1999, he became Assistant Chaplain at HMP Holme House, a post he held until he retired in 2011. In retirement he received Permission to Officiate (from 2013). The funeral will be held on Friday 6th February at midday at the Maplewood Chapel of Stockton Crematorium. Please hold John’s wife, family and friends in your prayers at this time.’