Archbishop Kanishka Raffel has announced a newly-created position to assist him as he further settles into the office to which he was elected last May.

The Reverend Canon Simon Flinders is to become Archdeacon to the Archbishop. The role involves the promotion and implementation of diocesan mission priorities and initiatives of the Office of the Archbishop, including engagement with various groups inside and outside the Diocese. 

Canon Flinders will assume the role in April on a part-time basis, gradually moving to full time in 2023. He will be collated as Archdeacon this weekend at a service at St Andrew's Cathedral, at which 18 deacons will also be ordained.

The archdeacon-to-be is married to Tamara and they have three daughters aged 11 to 17. After Canon Flinders graduated from Moore College, the family lived and served in Georges Hall and North Sydney before planting an evening service at St Mark's, Northbridge in 2010. Canon Flinders has been the senior minister at Northbridge since 2013.

His ministry also includes 18 years as a volunteer chaplain to Cricket NSW and he currently serves as a national board member of Sports Chaplaincy Australia. Canon Flinders was also chairman of Scripture Union NSW for eight years, until 2015. He has been Canon of St Andrew’s Cathedral since late 2019, when he was elected by the Synod to serve on the Cathedral Chapter. 

"While I leave my service of the saints in Northbridge with a very heavy heart, I very much look forward to this new role, serving our Archbishop as he serves the Diocese." Canon Flinders said.

In announcing the appointment, Archbishop Raffel said "I am conscious that Simon’s first love is the pastoral care of the local congregation. I believe that Simon will bring to this role theological depth, pastoral wisdom, strategic thinking and a clear and gracious gospel-mindedness that will enhance and sharpen the mission leadership of my office."

Saturday’s Ordination service is by invitation only due to COVID but can be watched live on YouTube.