The collation and installation of the new Archdeacon of Leicester was held on Thursday (2 October) during evensong at Leicester Cathedral.
Family, friends, colleagues and church communities came together in celebration and support for the new ministry of the Reverend Richard Trethewey during a service of welcome and commissioning.
The spirit of new beginnings was also reflected in the carefully chosen liturgy and music, read by colleagues and sung by the Cathedral Choir.
Joined by a compendium including diocesan and cathedral colleagues, Richard was taken through the tasks of new ministry, answering to those he will partner with in the diocese as Archdeacon of Leicester, including the Archdeacon of Loughborough and Bishop Sau.
Bishop Martyn carried out The Commendation, with Dean Karen Rooms Installing Richard into the College of Canons, and clothing him in a Cathedral Cope.
Following a warm round of applause and joyful hymn, the newly installed Archdeacon of Leicester delivered a moving sermon.
Richard has served in the Diocese of Leicester for the last decade and is well known by many for his work as Assistant Archdeacon and Chair of the Diocesan Advisory Committee, as well as his role as Rector of the Benefice of Glenfield and Newtown Linford.
Richard was ordained in Lichfield in 2002 and served his curacy in Biddulph in the Staffordshire Moorlands. He moved in 2006 to become Associate Vicar of Knowle in the West Midlands. In 2016, just after a secondment in Aston and Nechells, he came to the Diocese of Leicester as the first Rector of the newly formed Benefice of Glenfield and Newtown Linford.
Since then, as well as serving as Area Dean of Sparkenhoe East (2019-2023), he has chaired the DAC (since 2020) and been Assistant Archdeacon across the whole diocese (since 2023). In 2024 he was seconded as Acting Archdeacon of Loughborough for sabbatical cover.
Speaking on his new role, the Venerable Richard Trethewey, Archdeacon of Leicester, said: “It’s a great honour to be invited to take up the post of Archdeacon of Leicester, particularly knowing in whose footsteps I now tread.
“I hope that over the next few months I will get to know more of the people and churches of the eastern half of our diocese and that I will play my part in supporting the mission and ministry of the church as we pursue our vision of the kingdom of God. Please pray for me, as I pray for you.”
Bishop Martyn said he is very much looking forward to working with Richard as Archdeacon of Leicester, carrying out the significant work of the diocese and Church.
He added: “Richard’s appointment provides continuity at a time of considerable change in the diocese, and I know that he will bring real wisdom and energy to the work of supporting parishes through these changes.”
Richard begins his role as Archdeacon of Leicester on Monday 27 October, and will be contactable on Richard.Trethewey@LeicesterCofE.org, or via the Archdeacons’ office.
