20/04/2021
The Archbishop of Canterbury has appointed Darren Oliver as Provincial Registrar of Canterbury, on the retirement of Canon John Rees. He takes up his duties on April 21.
Darren is a solicitor specialising in ecclesiastical law, charities, and ecclesiastical property and a partner at Winckworth Sherwood LLP. He is currently the Deputy Provincial Registrar, and Registrar of the Dioceses of Oxford and Chichester. He has also worked with the Anglican Consultative Council for a number of years.
The Registrar of the Province of Canterbury provides legal advice to the Archbishop of Canterbury in his provincial jurisdiction in the Church of England, in relation to his direct legal jurisdiction in a number of overseas dioceses and as necessary in conjunction with his wider role in the worldwide Anglican Communion.
Announcing the appointment, Archbishop Justin has said: "I am pleased that Darren Oliver, who has served as John’s deputy, will be taking up the role of Provincial Registrar, bringing with him a wealth of experience and expertise. My prayers will be with him as he steps into his new role providing valuable advice and support and I look forward to working closely with him.”
Canon John Rees, who is retiring aged 70, has been Provincial Registrar since 2000 and has advised on Anglican Communion matters for more than 30 years. Throughout this time, he has also maintained a priestly ministry alongside his legal career.
Paying tribute to his service, Archbishop Justin said: “He has done so much within the world of ecclesiastical law and has always been willing to give advice and considered contributions to difficult questions. John has brought a care and pastoral heart to all his work.
“He has an extraordinary memory and an eye for detail and at the same time is always concerned to set each case within the wider picture and concern for the people involved. His advice has always been wise and well thought through and I have very much appreciated all that John has given to the Church.
“We owe a huge debt of gratitude to John and I will miss my encounters with him very much. I pray for him and Dianne that they will enjoy retirement and spending time with their family. I am sure that John will continue to live out his discipleship and thank God for his faithful and wise ministry over such a long period of time.”