[ACNS, by Gavin Drake] The Dean of Auckland’s Holy Trinity Cathedral in New Zealand, the Very Revd Jo Kelly-Moore, has been appointed to the senior archdeacon’s role in the Church of England. When she takes up her new role as Archdeacon of Canterbury early next year, Kelly-Moore will – in addition to the usual role of an archdeacon – be responsible for installing all new diocesan bishops in the C of E’s southern province.

Before ordination, the new archdeacon was a lawyer in both London and New Zealand – something that will no-doubt come in useful in her new role; as archdeacons in the Church of England have specific legal responsibilities in areas including the use and development of church buildings, parochial boundaries, and clergy discipline.

She will work alongside Trevor Willmott, the Bishop of Dover, who – as Bishop in Canterbury – takes on much of the responsibility for the Diocese to free up Archbishop Justin Welby for his national and international ministry; and will be the vice Dean of Canterbury Cathedral, the mother-church of the Anglican Communion.

“I am delighted that Jo is coming to work with us here in Canterbury and I have no doubt that her experience and great talents will be of huge benefit, not just to the Canterbury Archdeaconry or cathedral, but to the whole Diocese,” Bishop Trevor Willmott, said. “We have found in Jo an excellent and astute theologian with wide-ranging leadership and management skills. I would like to assure Jo and her family of the prayers and support of the whole diocese as they embark on this new adventure.”

Auckland Bishop Ross Bay said that the appointment was “well deserved.”

“There will be a real sadness in bidding farewell to Dean Jo, her husband Paul and sons Adam and Nathan, but the role is an exciting opportunity and she will bring perspectives from New Zealand to England and the wider Anglican Communion,” he said.

She leaves Auckland as work on the cathedral – begun by Bishop Ausgustus Selwyn in 1843 – nears completion ahead of its consecration next year. “A completed cathedral is due to the amazing leadership of Dean Jo. At all times she has also been priest ready to offer care and compassion for people as well lead services for the city and the nation. She will be missed,” Bishop Ross said.

Jo Kelly-Moore has served as Dean of Auckland Cathedral since August 2010. Prior to that she was Vicar of St Aidan’s Anglican Church in Remuera, in the Auckland suburbs.

“Ministry in Auckland has been such a privilege, as I am sure it will be in Canterbury,” Kelly-Moore said. “There are so many people I have been with in times of joy and times of sadness – those names and faces of Aotearoa New Zealand will stay with me in England in my prayers and the prayers of our family.”