BISHOP Jonathan has appointed Canon Bob White to be the new Archdeacon of Portsdown – sharing the job with his current role as vicar of St Mary’s, Portsea.

Bob had already been serving as acting Archdeacon of Portsdown for the past year, working half-time as Archdeacon and half-time as vicar. His new role will continue that 50:50 split.

It means he will continue to support parishes in the Portsmouth and Havant deaneries, and continue to serve on the Bishop’s Staff Team.

He said: “I have enjoyed the responsibility of being acting Archdeacon, and I hope I have been able to usefully support our parishes and clergy across Havant and Portsmouth.

“As someone who has served as a parish priest in both of those places, I hope my local knowledge and understanding of parish ministry in this area has been and will continue to be helpful.”

Canon Bob White was born in Portsmouth, attended Portsmouth Grammar School, and has served as a member of clergy in this diocese since 1985. Yesterday (June 29) was the 40th anniversary of his ordination as deacon.

He worked at churches in Gosport and in Hilsea before moving to serve in Leigh Park and Warren Park. In 2000, he became vicar of St Mary’s parish in Fratton, chalking up 25 years in the parish earlier this month.

He is an Honorary Canon of our cathedral, chair of our diocese’s House of Clergy, a Chaplain to the King, chairs the trustees of the charity Hive Portsmouth, and is one of our representatives on the Church of England’s General Synod.

Bishop Jonathan said: “Bob knows the area so well and has such vast experience of parish and community life here. His opinion and advice has been and will be invaluable to our parishes at the frontline.

“He is a hugely valued colleague, and I am so grateful that he feels able to perform this role alongside remaining as vicar of one of our busiest churches.”

The appointment came after the standard process of recruitment for senior roles. Bishop Jonathan will collate Bob as Archdeacon of Portsdown during Evensong in our cathedral on September 7.