Clare Amos appointed Director of Theological Studies

Canon Kenneth Kearon, Secretary-General of the Anglican Communion is delighted to announce that Clare Amos has been appointed as Director of Theological Studies for the Anglican Communion.

Previously Clare has worked for the Anglican Communion office as Secretary to the Anglican Primates Working Party on Theological Education (TEAC) and Co-ordinator for the Network of Inter Faith Concerns for the Anglican Communion. She has been also Theological Resource Officer of the Anglican world mission agency USPG (United Society for the Propagation of the Gospel).

Clare has varied and extensive experience in the field of theological education for both clergy and lay people, first in the Middle East, where she was a mission partner of CMS (Church Mission Society), and latterly in the United Kingdom. Her own theological studies were undertaken at the University of Cambridge, England, and the Ecole Biblique et Archeologique Francaise, Jerusalem, (where she was the recipient of a World Council of Churches ecumenical scholarship). She has published in the field of biblical studies and spirituality. Her most recent publication is, 'Beginning over again: through Lent with Genesis and the Gospels' (Inspire, 2005). She is also the honorary editor of The Reader, the national magazine for Church of England Readers (Lay Ministers).

Clare says, 'Archbishop Rowan has made it clear how important he considers theological education in the life of our Communion. This commitment is also strongly shared by the Anglican Primates. It will be a major focus of the Lambeth Conference in 2008. It is a privilege to be able to contribute to such a vision and I am looking forward to having the opportunity to continue to work together with Anglicans from all parts of our Communion in order to strengthen our work in this field. A considerable part of my time over the next couple of years will be given over to ensuring that the excellent process that TEAC has initiated is developed and carried through. Like many Anglican Christians I believe that theology and theological education do not only involve academic learning, but also need to engage our spirits and hearts as well as our heads. It is a particular charism and gift of the Anglican Way to emphasise the need for the church to be both a worshipping and learning community.'

Clare will also remain a theological consultant for USPG. She is married to Canon Alan Amos, a priest in the Diocese of Rochester in the Church of England, and they have one son.

Christine Codner appointed Senior PA to the Secretary General

The Revd Canon Kenneth Kearon, Secretary General of the Anglican Communion is delighted to announce his recent appointment of Mrs Christine Codner as his Senior Personal Assistant.

Christine has worked for the Anglican Communion Office since 1983. Her early years were within the Secretary Generals Department under the leadership of the Revd Canon Samuel Van Culin. In 1993 Christine furthered her vocation in ecumenism as Personal Assistant to former Directors of Ecumenical Affairs, The Revd Dr Donald Anderson and The Revd Canon David Hamid, now Assistant Bishop in Europe. More recently she served as Senior Personal Assistant to The Revd Canon Gregory Cameron, Director of Ecumenical Affairs and Deputy Secretary General.

Christines wide knowledge and experience within the Secretariat provide her with the unique capabilities to realise her new role. She holds a BA (Hons) Degree in Business Studies and a Master's Degree in Business Management. In addition she extends herself to counselling to the bereaved and victims of crime in her local community as well as actively supporting her local church initiatives.

Canon Kenneth Kearon says, "these changes in the Anglican Communion Office will strengthen our ability to respond to the many demands made on us. Christine brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to this post, and I am delighted she has accepted this responsibility."

She is married to Herman, a Fellow Chartered Certified Accountant. They have two children.

Suminder Duggal appointed Communications Assistant

The ACO has recently recruited its newest member Suminder Duggal as a part-time Communications Assistant. Suminder has a Masters in Media, Communications and Technology and has previously worked as an Administrator in Communications.

"After completing her Masters degree, Suminder wanted to further her career within communications - having been very successful in this sector before, it was evident that she possessed extremely strong communication skills that would be ideal for working within the Communications department at the ACO, especially with all her previous experience," says Communications Director Jim Rosenthal.

The General Secretary, the Revd Canon Kenneth Kearon, appointed Suminder Duggal to this role where she provides PA and administrative support to the Director of Communications Canon Jim Rosenthal, research's news stories for our website and the Anglican Episcopal World magazine, uploads news stories on the website, writes media press releases and attends press conferences and meetings as required.