First ordained Anna Chaplain for Diocese of Peterborough

Anna Chaplaincy coordinator for Peterborough Diocese, Liz Kelly, Bishop Andrew Proud (Honorary Assistant Bishop), and new Anna Chaplain, the Revd Dawn Stokes.

The Revd Dawn Stokes, Rector of Holy Cross Church, Daventry, has become the first ordained Anna Chaplain in the Diocese of Peterborough.

She writes:

'It was a joy and delight to welcome Bishop Andrew Proud and Liz Kelly, to Holy Cross church, Daventry on Sunday 31st May, 2026. 

Bishop Andrew came to commission me, as the first Priest to become an Anna Chaplain in The Diocese of Peterborough. 

During the service, Liz Kelly, Diocesan Co-ordinator and local trainer gave a talk about Anna Chaplaincy. She explained that the primary aim is to offer spiritual care to those older people who need it whether they have a strong Christian faith, little faith, or no faith at all.

Many people in the congregation had not heard of the ministry and were very interested to learn more from Liz over coffee after the service.'

'I enjoyed taking the Anna Chaplaincy course, which is run via Zoom over six weeks. There is an excellent handbook, full of very useful information about working with elderly people in different contexts. There are also helpful reading lists and suggested books to borrow or buy on various topics, to enhance the ministry you can offer.'

'It was a privilege to listen to and share stories of best practice, with my fellow 'trainees' over the duration of the course. I believe that ministry on behalf of Jesus Christ, to older people, some for whom 'going to church', may no longer be a practical option, is a vital and valuable ministry to become involved with and I’m excited to be part of a growing team of Anna Chaplains in the diocese.'