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‘Bishop’ comes from the Greek word for ‘overseer’. So a bishop is a senior Christian minister authorised to have oversight for God’s people. As well as duties given to deacons and priests, bishops confirm and ordain.

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‘Diocese’ refers to the geographical territory in which a bishop exercises oversight. The Church in Wales is divided into six dioceses each with its own cathedral in which is housed the cathedra (the bishop’s ‘chair’ or ‘throne’).

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At Holy Communion blessed bread and wine is shared, by which we receive the body and blood of Jesus Christ. The congregation gives thanks for Jesus’ life, his death and resurrection and his continuing presence. See also Eucharist.

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Home News and Blogs Farewell, Archdeacon Rod!

Farewell, Archdeacon Rod!

News Posted: 27 April 2026

On a beautiful spring afternoon, the Diocese of Llandaff gathered in Llandaff Cathedral to give thanks for the ministry of Archdeacon Rod, who will soon be leaving the diocese to take up his new role as Suffragan Bishop of Stepney in the Diocese of London.

The service brought together clergy, lay leaders, friends, and colleagues from across the diocese to celebrate Archdeacon Rod’s faithful service, pastoral leadership, and deep commitment to the life of Llandaff. Warm tributes were offered, reflecting the gratitude and affection in which he is held.

As a sign of the diocese’s appreciation, Diocesan Secretary James Laing presented Archdeacon Rod with a small token of thanks, offered alongside the prayers and love of the whole diocesan family as he prepares for this next chapter of ministry.

While the diocese is truly sorry to see Archdeacon Rod conclude his ministry in Llandaff, there is deep gratitude for his wise leadership, steadfast service, and the warmth and dedication he has brought to diocesan life. His presence will be greatly missed by all who have worked alongside him.

At the same time, the diocese rejoices for the people of Stepney, who will be blessed by his gifts and talents as he begins this new chapter in his ministry. His calling to serve in London is met with both pride and heartfelt support from Llandaff.

The diocese asks for continued prayers for Archdeacon Rod, his family, and the communities he will soon serve, trusting that God will guide and strengthen them in the months ahead. As Scripture reminds us, “The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore” (Psalm 121:8).

The Diocese of Llandaff sends Archdeacon Rod its heartfelt blessings for the journey ahead and gives thanks for all he has shared with us during his time among us.

Transcript of Archdeacon Rod's Leaving Speech

"I want to thank everyone for coming tonight. It's much appreciated. This place has been a real bedrock of my spiritual life while I've been here as archdeacon, and it will always be close to my heart, a special place, a holy place for me, which has given me that sense of rhythm and flow as I have ministered here as Archdeacon.

And it's the thing that I will miss most and the thing that I will seek most earnestly for when I move to the Diocese of London. I have loved being your archdeacon and thank you for putting up with me, particularly clergy and lay chairs who've had to put up with me for the best part of five years and for some great colleagues on the Teilo Team as well.

I think we've had a lot of fun, so I am feeling quite emotional at the moment. I'm looking forward to going, but I am feeling a real sense of loss and sadness as I say goodbye to all of you. So thank you for being with me in that this afternoon."