A new chapter for The Archdeacon of Stow and Lindsey

The Venerable Alyson Buxton, Archdeacon of Stow and Lindsey, has announced that she will retire at the end of this year.

Archdeacon Alyson was ordained in the Diocese of Lincoln and has served people, parishes and places across Greater Lincolnshire in a variety of ministries, as curate, diocesan officer, and parish priest. She was appointed as Archdeacon of Stow and Lindsey in 2022.

In sharing this news today, Archdeacon Alyson says:

“I have deeply cherished and appreciated my time working under the kind and dedicated leadership of Bishop Stephen, with the collaboration of his senior team, and alongside all the faithful individuals who live and worship in the Archdeaconry of Stow and Lindsey. Together, we have faced both challenges and joys.

“After much prayer and careful reflection, I have discerned that this year is the right time for me to step back from full-time, stipendiary ministry.

“I am uncertain about the future, but I am committed to embracing whatever comes next and continually saying ‘yes’ to God with an open heart.

“I remain grateful for the pastoral wisdom of Bishop Stephen, and in this next chapter of my life and ministry, I will continue to support him and his leadership of our wonderful Diocese of Lincoln.”

The Archdeaconry of Stow and Lindsey comprises the parishes and deaneries in the northern part of the diocese, and we welcomed Archdeacon Alyson to this role with a special service at the historic and beautiful church of Stow Minster – the ancient mother church of the Diocese of Lincoln.

At the beginning of her public ministry, Archdeacon Alyson served first as Curate in Sleaford, before taking on the role of Diocesan Lay Ministry Officer alongside that of Priest Vicar at Lincoln Cathedral. She was later appointed to lead and develop the parishes of the Horncastle, Hemingby and Asterby Groups as they sought to grow together in mission and ministry.

Most recently, before her appointment as Archdeacon, Alyson served as Team Rector of Boston for more than eight years. In 2021, she was also seconded as Director of Resourcing Sustainable Church, leading the implementation of our shared direction of travel, Time to Change Together. Alyson has previously represented the Diocese on General Synod and was elected as Chair of the House of Clergy.

The Bishop of Lincoln, the Rt Revd Stephen Conway, has expressed his gratitude to Archdeacon Alyson for all that she has shared with us in many years of ministry:

I have known Aly for many years and have rejoiced to have her as a close colleague during my time in the Diocese of Lincoln. She is a fine, reflective priest and a loving pastor, who has brought a godly ambition for the kingdom into every challenge and opportunity, in every role she has held.

When I first came to Lincoln in 2022, Aly had been seconded from her role in Boston to lead on the initial phase of Time to Change Together. I already knew of the outstanding work she had done hitherto in leading the transformation of one of our key mission churches. As she moved from these roles to become an Archdeacon, I have deeply appreciated Aly’s gifts, loyalty, honesty, leadership and friendship. She has always been a natural team player – both among senior colleagues and with the people and communities in Stow and Lindsey.

I am delighted that in retirement Aly and Derek will continue to call the Diocese of Lincoln their home. Aly has my utmost respect for discerning this next stage of her journey in life and ministry. Though one part of that journey is coming to an end, I look forward to sharing with her in all that lies ahead.

There will be more information to share soon about the arrangements for Alyson’s retirement, including opportunities to share thanks and farewells. In the coming months, we invite you to pray for God’s blessing during this time of transition, on:

• Archdeacon Alyson, her husband Derek and their family;
• the Bishops and Archdeacons;
• the people, ministers and communities in the Archdeaconry of Stow and Lindsey.

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