We are delighted to announce that Revd Christopher Bunce has accepted the Bishop of Norwich’s invitation to become the next Archdeacon of Norfolk.
Chris is currently Team Rector of the Hitchin Team Ministry and Vicar of St Mary’s Hitchin, leading a diverse team of town-centre and rural churches alongside a Fresh Expression. He has overseen a major reordering and fundraising project at St Mary’s, and become Rural Dean of Hitchin in 2025, having previously served as Assistant Rural Dean.
Chris says:
“I am delighted to have been appointed the next Archdeacon of Norfolk, in the Diocese of Norwich. I’m looking forward to working closely with Bishop Graham and his staff and particularly Bishop Ian. I’m excited to get to know the clergy, lay workers, churches, volunteers and communities across the eight deaneries of south and east Norfolk. My desire is to serve alongside you with enthusiasm, humility and prayerful hope as we seek together to enable the Church’s mission across the diocese.”
Speaking about the appointment, the Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Revd Graham Usher said:
“I am delighted that Chris will be joining us as the next Archdeacon of Norfolk. His experience as a parish priest, his pastoral heart and enthusiasm for the mission of God’s Church, as well as his background in law, will stand him in good stead as he seeks to serve and support the clergy, people and places of the archdeaconry and wider diocese.”
Revd Chris will be working closely with The Bishop of Thetford, Tthe Rt Revd Ian Bishop. The office for the Archdeaconry of Norfolk is based in Wymondham.
Bishop Ian said:
‘I am thrilled that Chris is coming to the Archdeaconry of Norfolk. His experience in parish ministry has prepared him well for the challenges of becoming Archdeacon. His pastoral training and interest in Clergy well-being will I am sure be hugely appreciated and he has demonstrated significant drive, suggesting that he is going to be a great support for missional transformation across the area. I very much look forward to having him as a new colleague.’
Revd Chris trained for ministry at Westcott House, Cambridge, having previously read Theology at Trinity College, Cambridge, and qualified as a solicitor at White & Case LLP, where he specialised in cross-border financial regulatory work. He was ordained deacon in the Diocese of London in 2012 and priest in 2013.
He served his curacy at St Peter’s, Black Lion Lane, London, before becoming Rector of St Andrew and St George, Stevenage, in 2015, where he also served as Rural Dean of Stevenage from 2016 to 2019.
Christopher’s ministry has been shaped by the liberal Catholic tradition, with a strong commitment to sacramental worship and generous inclusion across traditions. He recently completed a Diploma in Psychodynamic Counselling at Birkbeck, University of London, reflecting his particular interest in the wellbeing of clergy and lay leaders. Outside ministry, Christopher enjoys walking his dogs in the countryside and the odd Netflix true crime documentary!
The Revd Chris Bunce succeeds The Venerable Steven Betts, who has served as Archdeacon of Norfolk since 2012.
The installation will take place on 3rd December 2026 at 5.30pm at Norwich Cathedral.