Sentamu appoints new evangelist for the north

The Rev Canon Roger Simpson, currently vicar of St Michael le Belfrey, York, has been appointed Archbishop’s Evangelist.

As well as holding this post, Rev Simpson will stay at St Michael le Belfrey as an Associate Minister, and the current Assistant Curate, the Rev Matthew Porter, will become the Vicar.

Rev Simpson will begin his new ministry on 13 June. As Archbishop’s Evangelist, he will work with lay people to lead missions throughout the north of England, bringing the good news of Jesus Christ to people in parishes, pubs and clubs, streets and schools.

The Rev Canon Roger Simpson says, “I’m really excited about the potential of this role as Archbishop’s Evangelist, and I have a real sense that God is opening doors in the north.

"Since people have heard about the appointment, they’ve been getting in touch with me, and I’m already booked to run missions at universities, a cathedral, towns and villages. We’ll be taking the Gospel to people, engaging with them and sharing the good news.

“This is the sort of work that I’ve been doing all throughout my ministry, but since becoming Vicar of St Michael le Belfrey ten years ago, I’ve devoted my time to one particular church. Now, I can help develop evangelism and mission across the north of England, as well as at St Michael le Belfrey.”

The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, welcomed Roger’s appointment, saying, "I’m delighted to be able to appoint Roger as my Evangelist throughout the north of England. He is passionate about sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and I know he will help many congregations share the good news and engage with their communities."