Dictionary

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Bishop

‘Bishop’ comes from the Greek word for ‘overseer’. So a bishop is a senior Christian minister authorised to have oversight for God’s people. As well as duties given to deacons and priests, bishops confirm and ordain.

Deacon

‘Deacon’ comes the Greek word for ‘servant’. Deacons in the Church in Wales have special roles within worship such as proclaiming the gospel. Traditionally, deacons have had responsibility for social care. Deacons often go on to be ordained priest.

Diocese

‘Diocese’ refers to the geographical territory in which a bishop exercises oversight. The Church in Wales is divided into six dioceses each with its own cathedral in which is housed the cathedra (the bishop’s ‘chair’ or ‘throne’).

Holy Communion

At Holy Communion blessed bread and wine is shared, by which we receive the body and blood of Jesus Christ. The congregation gives thanks for Jesus’ life, his death and resurrection and his continuing presence. See also Eucharist.

Priest

‘Priest’ comes from the Greek word for ‘elder’. Priests in the Church in Wales are those authorised specifically to proclaim forgiveness of sins, preside at the Eucharist and bless God’s people, as well as other responsibilities.

Home News New Archdeacon of Wrexham

New Archdeacon of Wrexham

Provincial news Posted: 9 January 2023

The Bishop of St Asaph has announced the appointment of the Revd Canon Dr Hayley Matthews to be the new Archdeacon of Wrexham.

Dr Matthews is currently Director of Lay Training in the Diocese of Leeds and will be installed as Archdeacon of Wrexham at a special service in St Asaph Cathedral on Sunday 5 March.

The Bishop of St Asaph, the Rt Revd Gregory Cameron says, “I am delighted to welcome Hayley to the Diocese of St Asaph in the Church in Wales. Hayley brings a track record of empowerment of both clergy and laity to enable us to be the church God intends us to be. We believe Hayley can make a transformative contribution to the churches and communities across the Diocese of St Asaph.”

Hayley Matthews will look after the Archdeaconry of Wrexham which includes the city of Wrexham and stretches north to Deeside and south to include the communities of Ruabon and Chirk. It includes towns and villages east along the Welsh/English border and churches in Coedpoeth, Llanferres and Mold to the west.

The city of Wrexham includes the diocese’s only Resource Church, Hope Street. It opened during the pandemic in the former Burton clothes store in the centre of Wrexham. Just over the road is the historic St Giles’ Church, described as one of the Seven Wonders of Wales.

Dr Matthews says, “I am delighted to be joining the people and city of Wrexham at this exciting time in their history. Hope Street and St Giles are wonderful examples of the diversity of Church in Wales faith communities to be found in our area. I very much look forward to working with them all, and with our chaplains, lay leaders and clergy as we seek to share the Good News of Christ’s love with everyone.”

Hayley, who is originally from Worcester, was ordained as a deacon in Blackburn Cathedral in 2006 and priested the following year at Lancaster Priory. She was a chaplain at Media City in Salford and Rector of Holy Innocents in Fallowfield in the Diocese of Manchester before moving to the Diocese of Leeds. Before training as a priest, Hayley worked in education, developing virtual learning environments and with Blackpool Local Education Authority promoting inclusion through the Excellence in Cities programme.

Hayley has two children, four Chinese Crested dogs, a cat and a motorbike. She and her family enjoy the outdoors, reading and travelling. Moving to Wales will give her the opportunity to explore her grandfather’s family links to Ruabon and Wrexham.

Hayley Matthews succeeds John Lomas as Archdeacon of Wrexham who was appointed as the Bishop of Swansea and Brecon in November 2021.