Archbishop appoints Domestic Chaplain and New Media Editor

The Reverend Brunel James

The Revd. Brunel James has most recently served in two large Leeds suburban villages of Barwick-in-Elmet and Scholes where he has focused on introducing fresh expressions of Church aimed at families, engaging shared ministry, and effective administration of the congregations. Elected to General Synod in 2003, and MA graduate, Brunel completed his curacy at UPA parish of St. Margaret's Thornbury, Bradford founding the Home-Start Bradford family support project. He is married to Beki and they have three children.

Matt Woodcock

Brunel said, "I am very honoured to have been given this opportunity to support the Archbishop in his work. I feel that Archbishop John Sentamu has been 'a breath of fresh air' in the Church of England, and that his direct style of communication has helped boost morale amongst Christians of all denominations. I grew up on the North York Moors, and this local knowledge will be useful, as my role will primarily be to help the Archbishop discharge his responsibilities in relation to the Diocese of York and its parishes."

Matt Woodcock, 33, was a journalist for seven years with the York Press, before following a calling into evangelism. Born in York, he studied politics at the University of Portsmouth, before training as a journalist at Sheffield College. Matt left the profession to become a full-time evangelist at St Paul's Church, Holgate, York, where he has pioneered a number of alternative initiatives to outreach to non-Christians. He will work at Bishopthorpe two days a week while continuing his ministry at St Paul's.

Matt Woodcock said: "I'm very much looking forward to getting stuck in with the Archbishop's communications team. Dr Sentamu is introducing many people to the gospel for the first time through his wide-ranging ministry and I'm very excited to be a part of that. I'm also delighted that he has adopted York City as his football team. They need him!"

Matt is married to Anna and his passions include indie rock music, playing football, reading and eating very hot curries.

ENDS

For further information contact Arun Arora, Archbishop's Director of Communications, 01904 707021 / 07738 354491