Announcement of the new Archdeacon of Newport

Bishop Cherry is delighted to announce the appointment of Revd Canon James Henley as Archdeacon of Newport and Director of Ministry & Discipleship.

James has served within the Diocese of Monmouth since 2006 and is currently Ministry Area Leader in East Cardiff and Continuing Ministerial Development Officer for the diocese.

Bishop Cherry said: “James is already well known in the diocese and serves on a number of our boards and committees. He brings wisdom, insight and a deep love for the church and its people, all of which will stand him in good stead as Archdeacon and Director of Ministry and Discipleship. I look forward very much to working with him in this new role.”

The diocese holds a special place in James’ heart having served as a pastoral assistant and then as a pioneer minister, before being ordained in 2015. He completed his curacy in Newport before moving to Cardiff in 2017. He is an elected member of the Diocesan Standing Committee, Diocesan Board of Finance and the Governing Body of the Church in Wales. In November 2025, he was installed as a Canon of Newport Cathedral.

Speaking about his appointment, James said: “I’m delighted to have been invited by Archbishop Cherry to take up this new role, in a Diocese and Archdeaconry for which I care so deeply, and which has played such a significant part in shaping my own ministry and discipleship. I look forward to walking alongside our clergy and lay people through both the joys and challenges they face, and to working closely with Archdeacons Stella (Bailey) and Ian (Rees), and the wider Diocesan team.”

Please hold James, his wife Amy and daughters, Evie and Theodora, in your prayers as they embark on this next chapter.

James will be installed as Archdeacon of Newport and Director of Ministry & Discipleship at Newport Cathedral on 8th March at 4pm.