Here is a summary of recent appointments, resignations, retirements and deaths in the Diocese of Durham.
Appointments
The Revd Graeme Holdsworth, currently Interim Vicar of Marsden and Slaithwaite with East Scammonden in the Diocese of Leeds has been appointed as Interim Priest in Charge of the Benefice of Upper Weardale and Rural Ministry Lead for the Diocese of Durham, subject to DBS clearance. The Licensing service will be held on 17 February 2026.
The Revd Paul Arnold, currently Priest in Charge, is to be Instituted and Inducted as Vicar of Stockton on Tees St Paul on Monday 9 February.
The Revd Matt Levinsohn, currently Priest in Charge, is to be Instituted as Vicar of Preston on Tees All Saints and Long Newton St Mary on 1 February 2026.
The Revd Rupert Kalus, currently Priest in Charge, is to be Instituted as Vicar of Leam Lane St Andrew on 1 February 2026 at 10.45am.
The Revd Moji Jaiyesimi, formerly Curate in Gainford and Winston, Ingleton and Staindrop is to be SSM Associate Priest of Cockerton St Mary. The Licensing service will be held on 25 January 2026.
The Revd Teresa Walton, currently Priest in Charge, is to be Instituted as Rector of Washington Holy Trinity on Sunday 18 January at 10.00am.
The Revd Hannah Richardson, currently Priest in Charge of Bensham and Teams has been appointed as Priest in Charge of Dunston St Nicholas with Christ Church. The licensing service will be held on Sunday 18 January at 4.00pm.
The Revd Nick Green, currently Vicar of Walton St John, Chesterfield in the Diocese of Derby has been appointed as Priest in Charge of Stockton Christchurch. The licensing service will be held at St Chad’s on 11 January.
The Revd Craig Shaw, who has been a hospital chaplain in the Peterborough Diocese has been appointed as Associate Minister of Holy Trinity Darlington, subject to fulfilment of legal requirements.
The Revd Steve Edge, who has been Curate of Pelton and West Pelton has been appointed as Priest in Charge of Birtley and Lamesley. The licensing service will be held at St Andrew’s Lamesley early in the New Year.
Farewells
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
The Revd Michael Baldwin, currently Curate in the Benefice of Upper Weardale has been appointed to a Prison Chaplaincy post in the Diocese of Leeds. Michael will be taking up his new role in February 2026. Please be praying for Michael as he prepares for this move.
The Revd Boyle Osaro Omobude, Chaplain in the Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust has moved to be Associate Priest in the Benefice of Stokeinteignhead, Combeinteignhead and Haccombe in the Diocese of Exeter.