Diocese of Ely
Priest in Charge of the East Marshland benefice with Walpole St Peter
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"We are passionate about connecting our local communities with the love of God – will you help us?"
Six rural parishes on the west Norfolk fen edge – Terrington St John, Tilney All Saints, Tilney St Lawrence, Wiggenhall St Germans, Wiggenhall St Mary Magdalen, and Walpole St Peter, home to 'The Cathedral of the Fens' – are seeking a Priest-in-Charge to lead them into a new chapter of shared life and mission.
Covering around 50 square miles and a population of 9,500, this is a well-connected rural benefice: close to the market town of King's Lynn and with rail links to Ely, Cambridge, and London King's Cross from nearby Watlington. Our churches are small but faithful, warmly collaborative, and genuinely at the heart of village life – hosting festivals, coffee mornings, and community events, and enjoying strong, established relationships with our village schools.
We are looking for an experienced, inspiring leader with a warm and empathetic character; someone approachable and sensitive to the needs of church and wider community alike. You will have a heart for rural ministry, a welcoming presence able to engage people at different stages of faith, and the flexibility to work across different styles of worship. You will support and encourage lay ministry, help our PCCs shape a clear and shared vision for growth, and build on our existing relationships with schools, children, and families.
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You will not be alone. You will be supported by the Archdeacon, by clergy colleagues in the deanery, and by the Diocese of Ely's Strengthening Multi Parish Benefices workstream, which offers administrative support and mentoring to clergy leading multi-parish benefices. You will also draw on one of the best-resourced Church Buildings Teams in the Church of England, helping keep our historic buildings as centers of mission rather than a drain on energy.
What we offer:
- A group of welcoming, active, and forward-looking church communities
- Strong foundations of lay leadership and involvement
- Established links with schools and community organizations
- The opportunity to shape and lead a newly formed benefice
- A choice of two modernized rectories (Tilney St Lawrence and Walpole St Peter) is available, so you can choose the base that best suits your family and ministry
The Diocese of Ely is entering a new chapter with the arrival of its 70th Bishop, Rt Revd Sarah Clark, building on secure finances, strong central support for clergy, and a clear diocesan focus on mission in the parishes. We are proud of the wellbeing of our clergy and warmly welcome applications from women and men, and actively encourage applications from UKME/GMH clergy.
For An Informal Conversation About This Role, Please Contact
- Ven Richard Harlow, Archdeacon of Huntingdon and Wisbech – 07415 757527 / archdeacon.handw@elydiocese.org
- Rev Richard Hines, Rural Dean – 07933 198943 / richard.hines@outlook.com
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Key Dates and How to Apply
- Closing date: 12 noon on 16 October 2026
- Interviews: Wednesday 18 November 2026
- Further details and the Application form can be found on the Pathways recruitment site here (click here)
A Diverse and Inclusive Workforce
The Diocese of Ely is committed to creating and sustaining a diverse and inclusive workforce which represents our context and wider community. We are aware that those of Global Majority Heritage/United Kingdom Minority Ethnic (GMH/UKME), women, and disabled people are currently under-represented among our clergy and workforce, and we particularly encourage applications from those with the relevant skills and experience that will increase this representation.
Safer Recruitment in the Diocese of Ely
The Diocese of Ely is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees to undertake safeguarding checks and training relevant to their role and to adhere to the Church of England’s safeguarding policies and procedures. Therefore, this position is subject to an enhanced disclosure from the DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service).
First published on: 17th September 2026
Page last updated: Thursday 17th September 2026 11:01 AM
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