Incumbent of South Lancing and Sompting and Lancing Coombes

Incumbent of South Lancing and Sompting and Lancing with Coombes

The Bishop of Chichester, Patrons, and Parish Representatives seek to appoint a full‑time stipendiary incumbent in the Catholic tradition for these two benefices, held in plurality, where the life of joyful, busy Christian communities comes from our worship of God in the Mass.

• Offer prayerful, pastoral, and sacramental ministry with a heart for the Anglo‑Catholic traditions whilst respecting other views.
• Encourage Christian hospitality and feel at ease within our strong social community life.
• Work collaboratively with an enthusiasm for multi‑church ministry, bringing a fruitful record of mission-focused leadership across a wide age range.
• Support growth in number and discipleship by building confidence in sharing the Good News.
• Encourage and develop lay ministries, supporting the gifts and growth of others.
• Be approachable, cheerful and a good listener, bringing kindness, humour, and joy to parish life.

• A warm, friendly and welcoming community, who will offer fun and friendship while being mindful of the vicar’s need for personal time and space.
• Our appreciation of their Sacramental Ministry, since we know that through it, we are built up as the body of Christ.
• Proactive and committed volunteers and administrative support.
• Our realism about the nature of priestly ministry, and the pressures our new priest will face.

For an informal conversation about this post, please contact the Archdeacon of Chichester, The Ven Dr Tom Carpenter at Arch Chichesterlican.org

Closing date: Sunday 22 March 2026

Interview date: Tuesday 21 April 2026

The Diocese of Chichester is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders and volunteers are expected to share this commitment. For further information, please read our full safeguarding policy.

All appointments are subject to acceptable pre‑appointment checks, including a satisfactory Enhanced DBS Check and completion of the Church of England Confidential Declaration Form.

To understand how the information you supply in your Confidential Declaration Form is used and your rights with respect to that data please read our privacy notice.

Please note:

we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role.