Newark Parish Church Rector, Chris Lion, to leave Newark with “mixture of excitement and sadness” to take on new role in Godalming, Surrey

One of Newark’s most senior church figures has announced with “a mixture of excitement and sadness” that he will be moving on this summer

Rev. Chris Lion, the Rector of Newark Parish Church, took on the role in October of 2021, joining from a church in South Buckinghamshire.

Now, he has confirmed that he and his family will be leaving Newark, to take on a role in his home town of Godalming, in Surrey.

Rev. Lion’s last Sunday in the parish will be the St Mary's Patronal Festival, on Sunday, July 20.

In a letter to parishioners, he explained that the decision had been a personal one, and one which was taken in order to move closer to his parents, who still live in the town where he grew up.

He said: “Since I first heard in September 2024 that a role in Godalming was becoming available, various things have reminded me that my parents won't be around forever.

“Despite this, we were keen to stay in Newark; and even up until the day before my interview, which was a week ago last Thursday, I was still unsure about whether the role in Godalming was the right step for us.

“However, since then, both [my wife] Charlotte and I have become convinced that Godalming is where God is leading us in this season.

“We have sensed His Spirit giving us peace, and calling us on from Newark. Just as importantly, we have also sensed Him saying to us that His work in Newark will continue regardless of our involvement, and nothing will stop that.”

The Rector also thanked the community for welcoming him, and said that the church would be in capable hands once he leaves.

He added: “Between the staff team, wardens, PCC and other key leaders, we are blessed to have many wonderful people in leadership roles within this parish; and I know that they, along with whoever is appointed in due course as the new Rector, will lead things forward in a way that blesses all of you, and continues to build on what God has been doing here over these last few years.

“We will miss you very much. Leaving this community will be extremely hard, and I have no doubt that there will be many (more) tears to come over these next few weeks.

“But despite this, deep down we know that this is the right thing, both for us, and for this church. We will continue to pray for you all; and we are so grateful for your prayers at this time.”