The Anglican Church has voted for youth with the election of Reverend Anashuya Fletcher as Assistant Bishop of Wellington.
The appointment, announced on Wednesday, sees 39-year-old Ana, become the youngest person to occupy the role. Ana, who immigrated to Aotearoa New Zealand with her family from Sri Lanka at the age of one, has most recently been the Co-Priest in Charge of St. Peter’s, Gonville in the Parish of Whanganui.
She served in that capacity alongside her husband Rev.Paul Fletcher, with whom she has two children, Ishmael (8) and Eilidh (4).
As Assistant Bishop, Ana will support Bishop Justin Duckworth in leading the Diocese of Wellington in its vision of being a transformative movement of local faith communities.
Bishop Justin says he is thrilled to welcome Ana to the role.“Ana is gifted in ministry and is well-placed to meet the challenges facing the church,” he says.
“I’ve always admired her commitment to the task Jesus has for His church-to be his hands and feet and witness to His work of reconciliation. Ana’s faith and love for Jesus is clear in the way she lives. She has put everything on the line to follow the call of God.”Ana says she’s humbled by the appointment.
“I am grateful for the boldness of those who encouraged me to consider nomination,” she says.
“I do not enter into this lightly, and consider it such a privilege to be called, alongside Bishop Justin, to help lead God’s church in its mission and ministry at this time.”
