[ACNS] Former BBC World Service journalist, Bernadette Kehoe, has taken over as the new editor of the Anglican Communion News Service (ACNS). Bernadette succeeds Gavin Drake who had been interim editor since late 2015.
Bernadette worked as a producer, reporter and editor with BBC News for more than 25 years. More recently she worked in diocesan communications in Birmingham, UK. She will also take over the editorship of Anglican World magazine from interim editor, Rachel Farmer.
Commenting on her appointment, Bernadette said: “I’m very much looking forward to uncovering stories of faith from around the globe and to drawing on my experience of working within international news. As a global family the Anglican Communion is fascinating and the sheer range of work that goes on in parishes, dioceses and provinces is truly impressive. ACNS is an invaluable tool for sharing that good news and shining a light on the mission of the Church.”
The Anglican Communion Director for Communications, Adrian Butcher, said he was delighted she was joining the team.
“Bernadette will be a huge asset to the Communications department. She brings a wealth of experience to the post and has a keen eye for a good story. I am looking forward to working with her as we expand our range of output.
“She has a very tough act to follow,” he continued. “Gavin has been a fantastic colleague to work with. He has an incredible knowledge of --and love for -- the Communion. We will miss him but I hope he will continue to work with us in some capacity.
“And I also want to pay tribute to Rachel Farmer who has worked incredibly hard to produce a series of excellent issues of Anglican World. I will also miss her input.”
Gavin said: “I have been reporting on the Anglican Communion for many years and so when the opportunity arose to take on the interim editorship of the Anglican Communion’s News Service, I jumped at the chance.
“The Anglican Communion, like all families, has its disagreements and fall-outs; but above all, it is a diverse group of individuals and churches spread across the world who are dedicated to spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to do so while strengthening the unity between Anglicans and Christians from other denominations by working in partnership together.”
Gavin, who said he would continue to report on the Anglican Communion in the coming years, added: “I have enjoyed working with Adrian over the past 10 months and with Bernadette over the past few weeks as we completed the hand-over. I pray for their ongoing work with ACNS and look forward to reading the daily bulletin and their stories to keep me updated with the work of the Communion around the globe.”