Mark Russell appointed as new Church Army Chief Executive
16 June 2006
One of Church's brightest hopes appointed as Church Army's youngest ever Chief Executive Officer
Mark Russell (aged 31) a law graduate from Northern Ireland who heads up IMPACT Youth Ministry at Christ Church Chorleywood, has been appointed as Church Army's youngest ever Chief Executive Officer.
This bold move sends a strong signal about how much Church Army is investing a new energy and commitment into the leadership of evangelism and home mission in the UK and Ireland. The appointment represents a break with the tradition of appointing a cleric or Church Army Officer to the top post. Mr Russell becomes only the eighth leader in the history of a society founded by Wilson Carlile back in 1882.
Mark is an active and articulate member of Archbishops' Council and General Synod, and close to the Archbishops of Canterbury and York. He was appointed as the youngest member of the Archbishops' Council in 2005 and has represented the Church of England at the General Synod of the Church of Ireland.
Mark Russell grew up in Co. Armagh, Northern Ireland, and studied law at Queen’s University, Belfast. He is a member of the Christian Socialist Movement and came to prominence in 1999 when he was awarded the Daily Express/British Gas Tomorrow's People Award for his involvement in drawing together Protestant and Catholic Young People in the process leading to the Good Friday Agreement in Northern Ireland. His work in the peace process has led to meetings with John Major, Tony Blair, Bertie Ahern and Hillary Clinton.
Roy Totten,Chairman of the Board of Church Army said, "We were looking for someone with passion, energy and commitment who is widely respected across the church and an experienced operator in the right circles. Mark is just that person, and I am delighted he has accepted the position of Chief Executive as we look forward to our 125th anniversary in 2007. This was a unanimous decision by the Board and we are all excited by the prospect of Mark taking the work of Church Army to another level."
The appointment has been roundly welcomed by a number of key Church leaders. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, said, "I am delighted that Mark has been appointed as Chief Executive of the Church Army, and he has my prayers and best wishes as he takes on this key leadership role at such an important time."
Rt Revd Dr Peter Selby, Bishop of Worcester and Bishop to HM Prisons, added, "I congratulate Mark and the Church Army on a very hopeful coming together of gifts and possibilities. I have no doubt they will find they live in 'interesting times', ones in which God will bring great blessings to Church Army through Mark's time as Chief Executive."
The Revd Dr Mark Stibbe, influential Church leader and author of Prophetic Evangelism, added, "These are the days when the Church desperately needs pioneering missionary minded leaders who have heads screwed on and hearts on fire. Mark Russell is one such man. He is one of the Church's brightest hopes for the future."
Mark, who is also a licenced Reader in the Church of England and an accredited preacher in the Methodist Church in Ireland, succeeds Captain Philip Johanson OBE who moves on to a new role as the first International Secretary for Church Army International.
I am delighted to be asked to lead one of the most widely respected mission societies around that is making a real difference for mission and evangelism in the UK and Ireland, said Mark Russell, Church Army is known for its innovation and creativity in mission and I look forward to meeting and working with our evangelist, staff, volunteers and partners to take forward this excellent work and ensure mission is at the heart of our Church.
Announcing the move to supporters and employees, Roy Totten, the Chairman of Church Army said, "Mark will bring considerable energy and drive to leadership of Church Army and is determined that Church Army will realise its full potential in working with you to share the Christian faith through words and action across the UK and Ireland."
Mark Russell, who lives in Chorleywood Hertfordshire, is expected to take up his new role in October 2006.
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For further information on Mark Russell and to read more on messages of support for this appointment from Church Leaders check out www.churcharmy.org.uk/markrussell
For media enquiries in relation to Mark Russell contact David Coleman (Church Army Communications Manager) on 020 8309 3516 or 07958 997455 or email d.coleman@churcharmy.org.uk
