Charlie Peer is to be the next Archdeacon of Bath replacing Adrian Youings who is leaving to take up a leading role with the Wales-based Christian charity, Care for the Family. Charlie, who is the Head of Mission Support and Ministry Development for Bath and Wells, is currently fulfilling the role of acting Archdeacon of Wells.
Speaking on his appointment to the new role Charlie said, “I am delighted to be offered this role. I love working in this diocese and it’s an honour to be asked to serve as Archdeacon of Bath. I really look forward to getting to know the churches and communities across the archdeaconry and I’m excited to find out together what God has in store for the years ahead.”
Bishop Michael said of Charlie’s appointment, “Charlie has been doing a terrific job of acting as Archdeacon of Wells during the last 16 months. I was therefore delighted that he was willing to offer himself into our discernment process for the next Archdeacon of Bath. He showed himself to be the best candidate for this role and I’m so glad that he has been appointed. Charlie brings to the work of an archdeacon skills, experience, wisdom and passion to see us grow our churches and transform our communities. It’s great to have Charlie as our colleague and partner in the Gospel.”
Charlie joined the Diocese of Bath and Wells in 2016 to lead the diocesan strategic programme. Since 2021 he has served as Head of Mission Support and Ministry Development. In this role, he has worked with many parishes and deaneries across the diocese on significant initiatives such as Deanery Mission Planning, the Pioneer Project, and Partnership for Missional Church.
Charlie has been ordained for 22 years. From 2005 to 2012 he was Vicar of Kea Church in Cornwall, a large church on the outskirts of Truro which covers both rural and town ministry. He then spent four years as Mission Development Officer in the Diocese of Portsmouth, working with churches to support their growth and community engagement.
Charlie succeeds Archdeacon Adrian who is stepping down as Archdeacon of Bath in June, he said, “I have really enjoyed working alongside Charlie as a colleague for the last six years, but especially during his time as Acting Archdeacon of Wells. Charlie appears to me to be a natural archdeacon and I’ve seen him really flourish in the role. It’s great to be able to leave Bath Archdeaconry in such good and capable hands.”
Charlie is expected to take up his new role in September. Details of his installation will be shared in due course. Archdeacon Anne will be returning to her role of Archdeacon of Wells in September, after a period of sabbatical following her time serving Acting Dean of Wells. The new Dean of Wells, Toby Wright, will be installed at Wells Cathedral on Sunday, 16 June.