NEWS RELEASE
31 August 2012
LW/ss01
Ordination of Deacons
8 September 2012
Mother of twins, Sophie Sutherland from Brasted will be ordained a Deacon at a
ceremony at Rochester Cathedral on 8 September 2012.
Sophie formerly worked as Secretary to the National Museum Directors’ Conference, a
group of 30 national museums’ libraries and archives across the UK. Her role was to
manage the affairs of the conference and its working groups, raising awareness of its
members’ contribution to society and coordinating joint projects and publications.
These projects included organising a report from museums sector in the UK arguing
for more funding on digitalisation, coordinating lobbying/information sharing on British
and European parliamentary matters affecting museums and research into the
possibility of items spoliated during World War II being in UK museums.
Sophie will serve her curacy at St Botolph, Chevening. She said, “I’m looking forward
immensely to joining St Botolph’s Church, Chevening. Serving God in a growing
church with varied styles of worship and an emphasis on nurturing discipleship will
bring great opportunities to broaden my experience. I’m also excited about the chance
to learn from younger and older members of the parish through its strong connections
with both primary school and the residential care homes. I’m delighted to be taking my
first steps as an ordained minister in such a lively and welcoming Christian
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community.”
Sophie is married to Rory and has two children, Hetty (11) and Millie (11).
ENDS
NOTES FOR EDITORS
1. Image shows Sophie Sutherland.
2. Clergy in the Church of England are generally ordained and serve as Deacons
for one year before being ordained Priest.
Once ordained Priest, they can
consecrate the bread and the wine at Holy Communion, pronounce absolution
and give a blessing in the name of Christ.
3. Sophie has a BA (Hons) and MA in Modern and Medieval Languages (French
and German) from the University of Cambridge and a diploma in Translation
from Institute of Linguists from Westminster University. Sophie also has a
diploma in Applied Christian Theology from University of Kent and a BA in
Applied Christian Theology from Canterbury Christchurch University.
4. Sophie has also worked for the Victoria and Albert Museum. She was
responsible for procurement and contracts, working for two directors as an
executive assistant and secretary to the board of trustees. Sophie has also been
a board member for the International Council of Museums in the UK.
5. Sophie has also done some voluntary work for Ca ncer Research UK as a local
area committee secretary. This role involved administration, coordinating
fundraising events and all communications with committee members and
supporters in the area.
6. Sophie’s interests and hobbies include swimming, walking, opera, film, reading,
cooking with her children and occasionally drawing and painting.
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CONTACT
Louise Whiffin: 01634 560000 or email: louise.whiffin@rochester.anglican.org
Lindy Mackenzie: 01634 560000 or email: lindy.mackenzie@rochester.anglican.org
Dicoesan Office, St. Nicholas' Church, Boley Hill, Rochester, Kent ME1 1SL Tel: 01634 560000
e-mail: or louise.whiffin@rochester.anglican.org • www.rochester.anglican.org
The Rochester Diocesan Society & Board of Finance is a company limited by guarantee. Registered in England No. 140565
Registered Office: Diocesan Office, St Nicholas Church, Boley Hill, Rochester, Kent ME1 1SL. Registered Charity No. 249339
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