Archdeacon of York to retire (From York Press)
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Archdeacon of York to retire
7:32am Saturday 28th April 2012 in News
By Haydn Lewis, haydn.lewis@thepress.co.uk
Archdeacon of York Richard Seed plans to retire later this year
THE Archdeacon of York, who has played a key role in parish life, has announced he will retire later this year.
The Venerable Richard Seed will retire from his role as Archdeacon of York and as rector of Holy Trinity Church, Micklegate, in October but will remain as a residentiary canon at York Minster and a member of the Minster’s Chapter.
“I have enjoyed the role greatly and tried to fulfil its demands to the best of my ability,” he said.
“It has been a joy to work with two archbishops, two bishops of Selby, who have been and are colleagues and friends, as well as a great staff team within the archbishop’s staff and diocesan office.
“It has also been important that I have remained a parish priest whilst being an archdeacon, which has kept me rooted and grounded in parish life.”
Mr Seed was born on May 9, 1949 in Leeds, attended Edinburgh Theological College, and was ordained in the Diocese of Bradford, to serve his title parish at Christ Church, Skipton.
In 1980 he became vicar of St Mary’s, Boston Spa, where he served for 19 years and became priest-in-charge of Clifford, Thorp Arch and Walton, and also rural dean of New Ainsty.
In 1999 he became Archdeacon of York, succeeding the Venerable George Austin.
During his time in Boston Spa, he was instrumental in setting up Martin House Children’s Hospice which cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions.
He stepped down from his role as chairman and a trustee at Martin House last autumn, and was given the title of founder of the hospice, which celebrates its silver jubilee this year.
The archdeacon is married to Jane, and they have four children and two grandchildren.
The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, said: “Richard has given so much to the mission of God in his role as Archdeacon of York.
“As well as the everyday tasks, he has served on the mission and pastoral committee, steering it through some very difficult decisions.
“e has been convenor and chairman of the diocesan worship and music group and chairman of the clergy family care group, roles that he performed with grace and aplomb.”
Details of the archdeacon’s final service will be announced shortly.
