Interim Diocesan Director of Ordinands (DDO)

Anna is currently Vicar of Christ Church, Chester, and already serves as an Assistant DDO. Bishop Mark has appointed Anna to the interim role on a 12-month secondment, working with the Ministry Team for two and a half days a week from 12 October 2026.

Bishop Mark said: “I am glad to welcome Anna into this role and grateful for her and Christ Church’s willingness to work with this secondment. Anna brings broad experience, the skills and the approach that we need at this time as we look forward in our shared work of ministry. She and the whole team, as well as all whom they serve, are in my prayers.”

Anna will work from Church House and across the diocese, supporting those exploring a call to ordained ministry and those already in training for ordination, as well as contributing to the wider vocations work of the Ministry Team. The wider team of Assistant DDOs and Ministry Team colleagues will continue to work alongside Anna in supporting candidates and ordinands.

Anna said: “I am humbled to be stepping into the role of Interim DDO, having learnt so much from Simon Chesters during my time as an ADDO. I am committed to taking that learning with me as I encourage people to explore their God-given vocation and journey with them through training and formation for ministry. I am grateful to Christ Church Chester for their support and for releasing me into this role for the next 12 months.”

Anna can be contacted at Anna.Leyden@chester.anglican.org, although enquiries to the Ministry Team, including about vocations, should continue to come to ministry@chester.anglican.org in the first instance.

If you are exploring where God may be calling you next, do sign up for our next Called to Serve event on Saturday 7^th November, 0930am at St Mary’s Ashton on Mersey. Details and booking