The Rev Caroline Litchfield has been appointed Archdeacon for the Ministry of Women in the Diocese of Sydney, bringing more than two decades of ministry experience to a role supporting hundreds of women serving across churches and diocesan organisations.

“This is a key role encouraging and promoting the ministry of women in our diocese,” said Archbishop Raffel in making the announcement. “Caroline brings clear theological conviction, broad ministry experience and personal warmth and compassion to this vital leadership role in our diocese.

“Caroline has a deep passion to see people grow in the Lord: confident in the grace of the gospel, joyful in discipleship, equipped for the good works the Lord has prepared in advance for them to do. As an ordination chaplain since 2019, she has walked alongside those discerning their pathway for service. 

“I am delighted that Caroline has accepted my invitation to serve in this way for the raising up, training, support and encouragement of women in ministry across our Diocese.” 

After beginning a ministry apprenticeship in 2002, Ms Litchfield trained at Moore College and served in student ministry roles in Petersham and at St Andrew's Cathedral.  She went on to serve for 10 years as the women's minister at Trinity Church in Adelaide. Since 2018, Ms Litchfield has held a range of ministry positions at Christ Church, St Ives. Before entering full-time ministry, she worked as an occupational therapist. 

Responding to the announcement, Ms Litchfield said: “In our Diocese, there are over 350 women employed in word ministry roles – ordained and lay, full-time and part-time – working in parishes, schools, hospitals and other diocesan organisations. What a privilege to lead the team tasked with supporting and equipping them, and to continue to see more women raised up for ministry!

“Since I've been doing ministry back in Sydney, I've been the recipient of the support, training and prayer that this team provides, and I'm convinced of its importance. I'm both excited and daunted to step into this role and to work more broadly as part of the Archbishop's team. 

“I'd value prayer that I would rely on God's strength and wisdom as I commence this role.”

Ms Litchfield will begin serving in the position in January.