There will be a new man in charge at Minster Abbey, but only for two years.

The appointment of Canon Arthur Houston, as interim Priest in Charge of Minster with Halfway, will enable consultation on planning for the future of ministry on the Island.

He will take up the post after Easter next year and will be licensed at Minster on April 15.

The Archdeacon of Maidstone, the Ven Philip Down, told a meeting of church officers that Canon Houston will take on the role for approximately two years as a “sustainable pattern of Church of England ministry on the Island” is developed.

Canon Houston is presently fulfilling a similar interim appointment at St Paul’s in Maidstone and has also twice served in a management role as an Area Dean in the Isle of Thanet and in Maidstone.

Archdeacon Down said: “Arthur’s task will be to work alongside the parochial church councils of each of the Island’s Church of England parishes and a number of clergy colleagues to look at options for the provision of ministry in the future.

“We need to develop and put in place a sustainable pattern of Church of England ministry sufficient to meet the pastoral needs of each of the Island communities.

“This task is in partnership with the Deanery of Sittingbourne and the Diocese of Canterbury and is planned to take a couple of years to allow for widespread consultation, planning and implementation.”

The Archdeacon of Maidstone, who is to meet clergy and the people of Minster Parish, will visit the island in the New Year for further meetings with all the Island parishes and other local groups.

Canon Houston said: “The Isle of Sheppey is blessed with a number of churches supported by their local community.

“My job over the next two years is to work with these communities, with clergy colleagues and others involved in the leadership of the church on the island and to support them as they plan for sustainable, long-term ministry on the island.

“I am looking forward to taking on this new role.”