Archdeacon Trevor Edwards, currently Archdeacon of South Sydney in the Diocese of Sydney, has accepted the appointment of rector of St Matthew’s, Wanniassa and Archdeacon of South Canberra in the Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn.

Archdeacon Edwards wrote to clergy and congregations of the region early last month to inform them of his decision. And while he says he is looking forward with keen anticipation to his new sphere of ministry in Wanniassa.

“I have enjoyed immensely the privilege of serving you all in the rich diversity of this region,” he wrote. “The pastoral and strategic role of archdeacon is often undervalued in this diocese but it has been my experience that in partnership we have been able to make a real difference to the mission of many parishes. Thank you for allowing me to share in your lives and ministries.”

Trevor Edwards served as rector of the parishes of Hurstville Grove and Camden in Sydney, before being appointed Archdeacon in 1996. He has also been the Archdeacon for Ordination since 2000.

“The South Sydney region is going to miss Trevor very much indeed, and certainly I will,” Bishop Robert Forsyth, Bishop of South Sydney, said. “He has been the single most important factor in the renewed health of this region in the last few years. He is held in the highest regard right across the region by clergy and laity.”

Archbishop Peter Jensen thanked Archdeacon Edwards for his faithful service to Sydney Diocese. “While we will miss his valuable contribution, I extend my own good wishes to Trevor, Ruth and their family as they leave to go to a significant ministry at Wanniassa, which has a long history of evangelical witness in the Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn.”