Here is a summary of recent appointments, resignations, retirements and deaths in the Diocese of Durham.
Appointments
The Revd Lindsay Southern, Interim Change Minister, is to be licensed as Public Preacher in the Diocese of Durham on Monday 30 March 2026.
Farewells
The Revd John Fisher will retire from his post as Vicar of Durham St Giles, Shadforth and Sherburn on 28 February 2026. Bishop Sarah would like to thank John for his ministry in this diocese since 2019 and wishes him a long and happy retirement.
The Acting Bishop of Durham has accepted the resignation of Revd Christine Britcliffe, SSM Associate Priest of The Raintons, Lumley and Chilton Moor. Christine’s last services will be on Easter Sunday. Please be praying for Christine and the parishes.
The Revd Lesley Jones, currently Rector of Jarrow and Simonside has been appointed as Rector of Corfe Mullen in the Diocese of Salisbury. Lesley will be taking up her new role at the end of April. Please be praying for Lesley as she leaves, and the churches as they prepare for a vacancy.
The Acting Bishop of Durham has accepted the resignation of Revd David Cleugh, Priest in Charge of Hebburn St Cuthbert and St Oswald. David will be leaving this post in April. Please be praying for David as he leaves, and the benefice as the churches prepare for a vacancy.
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
Deaths
The Revd Canon Neville Vine RIP
The Acting Bishop of Durham was saddened to hear of the death of the Revd Canon Neville Vine on 14th January 2026. Born in 1954, Neville trained for ordination at King’s College London (BD & AKC 1980) and Lincoln Theological College, and was ordained deacon in 1981 and priest in 1982. He served all his ministry in the Durham Diocese – as Curate of Peterlee 1981-1986 (also chaplain to Peterlee College 1984-1986; Vicar of St Peter’s Auckland 1986-1989; PTO 1989-1991; Rector of Easington 1991-1999, and then Rector of Easington, Easington Colliery and South Hetton 199-2003; while also serving as Area Dean of Easington 1998-2003. In 2003, he became Vicar of Bishop Auckland, Honorary Canon of Durham Cathedral and Area Dean of Auckland, retiring as Area Dean in 2015 and as Vicar in 2016. He then held PTO in the Diocese from 2017 until his death.We can now confirm the date of his funeral as 11am on Tuesday 3rd February in St. Cuthbert’s Church, Benfieldside (Church Bank, Shotley Bridge, Consett DH8 0NW). (Neville’s body will be received into church on Monday 2nd February at 4pm). Please hold his family and friends in your prayers at this sad time.
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.’