Archbishop’s Chief of Staff David Porter to step down in autumn

26/04/2022

The Archbishop of Canterbury’s Chief of Staff, David Porter, will be stepping down from his role this autumn.

David was made Chief of Staff in May 2016, having previously been the Archbishop’s advisor on Reconciliation. He will officially finish his role in November 2022.

As Chief of Staff, David has acted as advisor to the Archbishop and has overseen the staff team at Lambeth Palace. In his six years in the role, David has advised the Archbishop at times of great change and challenge in the nation – such as Brexit and the Covid pandemic. He has travelled extensively with Archbishop Justin helping him to support the church in different parts of the world.

David has also been part of the group which oversaw the building of the new Lambeth Palace Library, and part of the project group which has planned the refurbishment works at Lambeth Palace.

He will continue to work part time with Archbishop Justin in developing a long-term strategy for his three personal priorities of Evangelism and Witness, Reconciliation and Prayer and the Religious Life.

David said: “Having recently marked 40 years in full-time Christian service, it felt like the right moment to step back from being Chief of Staff. There are too many highlights (and challenges!) to name individually, but it has been a joy and a privilege to serve the Church in this way. I look forward to a new role helping the Archbishop further develop his vision for his three personal priorities.”

Archbishop Justin said: ‘I am immensely grateful to David for his leadership at Lambeth Palace. He has brought to the role of Chief of Staff a wealth of wisdom, experience and Christ-centred vision that has enabled the ministry here to flourish in ways seen and unseen. Prior to becoming Chief of Staff, David led the reconciliation work at Lambeth with courage and creativity. I look forward to continuing to work together on the priorities of evangelism and witness, reconciliation and prayer and the religious life, and I join many in praying for David and Fran in this time of transition.’

A recruitment process for a new Chief of Staff will begin shortly.

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