Here is a summary of recent appointments, resignations, retirements and deaths in the Diocese of Durham.
Appointments
The Revd Lindsay Southern, Interim Change Minister, is to be licensed as Public Preacher in the Diocese of Durham on Monday 30 March 2026.
Farewells
The Acting Bishop of Durham has accepted the resignation of Revd Christine Britcliffe, SSM Associate Priest of The Raintons, Lumley and Chilton Moor. Christine’s last services will be on Easter Sunday. Please be praying for Christine and the parishes.
The Revd Lesley Jones, currently Rector of Jarrow and Simonside has been appointed as Rector of Corfe Mullen in the Diocese of Salisbury. Lesley will be taking up her new role at the end of April. Please be praying for Lesley as she leaves, and the churches as they prepare for a vacancy.
The Acting Bishop of Durham has accepted the resignation of Revd David Cleugh, Priest in Charge of Hebburn St Cuthbert and St Oswald. David will be leaving this post in April. Please be praying for David as he leaves, and the benefice as the churches prepare for a vacancy.
The Acting Bishop of Durham announces that Revd Canon Caroline Dick will retire from her post as Team Rector of the Durham North Team Ministry on 9 April 2026. Bishop Sarah would like to thank Caroline for all the different ways in which she has served this diocese over the years since she was ordained Deacon in 1988, and wishes her a long and happy retirement. Caroline’s retirement service will be held at All Saints Newton Hall on Thursday 9 April at 6.00pm, followed by a 65th birthday ceilidh at 7.30pm. All who wish to join her to mark this occasion are most welcome – please RSVP to carolineanndick61@gmail.com
Deaths
The Revd Peter Fisher RIP
The Acting Bishop of Durham was saddened to learn of the death of the Revd Peter Fisher on 16th March 2026.
Born in 1944, Peter initially studied at Durham University (BA 1968; MA 1975) and then at Cuddesdon Theological College. He was ordained deacon in 1970 and priest in 1971, serving his title at St Andrew’s Bedford in St Alban’s Diocese. He then became chaplain to the University of Surrey, 1974-1978, and Sub-Warden of Lincoln Theological College 1978-83.
In 1983 he returned to the Durham Diocese, becoming Rector of Houghton-le-Spring 1983-1994, and Rural Dean of Houghton le Spring, 1987-1992. He then became the Principal of the Queen’s College in Birmingham (1994-2002) , before returning to Parish Ministry as Vicar of St Peter’s Maney, also in Birmingham, 2002-2010. He was also an Honorary Canon of Birmingham Cathedral 2000-2010. After retirement he held PTO in the Leeds diocese, but ended his life back here in the Durham Diocese.
His funeral will be at Durham Cathedral on Wednesday 22nd April at 2pm. Please hold Peter’s family and friends in your prayers at this sad time.