Church of England appoints Olympic ‘Tsar’

04/09/07

The Revd Canon Duncan Green has been appointed to the post of Church of England Olympics Executive Co-ordinator in a joint initiative between the Dioceses of Chelmsford, London and Southwark.

The Olympics Executive Co-ordinator is a unique and strategic post. This senior appointment will co-ordinate the Church of England’s response to the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and provide leadership for the Games and their legacy on behalf of, and in consultation with, the Bishops of Chelmsford, London and Southwark.

The distinctive contribution of the Church of England to the 2012 Games is in keeping with its long history of personal ministry and community leadership in each parish of the country. We are committed to making a significant contribution to the planning and delivery of the Games, in partnership with the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games and the London Boroughs. As well as this, we are committed to working to ensure the legacy of the Games has a positive impact on local communities in the decades to come.

Canon Green will be the link to the Archbishop of Canterbury as well as local Anglican Church Leaders. He will be working particularly closely with Barking and Stepney Episcopal Areas, where the majority of the Games are to take place, and will also relate to the Churches’ 2012 Initiative ‘More than Gold’. The Bishop of Barking, The Right Reverend David Hawkins, will oversee the post.

Currently Rector and Dean of Saffron Walden in Essex, Canon Green will take up his appointment later in the autumn.

He said:

“I’m very excited about the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Besides the celebration of sporting excellence, there will be real opportunities to work with other church denominations and faiths together to foster cultural understanding, develop community infrastructure and achieve lasting social regeneration. In the current culture of increasingly younger children being drawn into gang violence, the opportunity that the Games present to invest in our young people and their future must not be missed. We must give them a chance to share in the idealism of the Olympic dream”.

Duncan gained substantial experience of working with young people as Diocesan Youth Officer from 1987 to 1996 when he started the successful residential youth centre at St Mark's College, Audley End. He began his working life as an engineer before graduating from Salisbury Theological College in 1982. He was appointed an Honorary Canon of Chelmsford Cathedral in 2003. Duncan is married to Janet and they have three grown-up children.

The Right Reverend David Hawkins, Bishop of Barking, has said:

"I am delighted Duncan will be our Executive Co-ordinator for the Games. He brings a wealth of expertise and experience, not only in youth work, for which he is highly regarded, but also in leadership, large-scale people management, diplomacy and inspiring people to work to their strengths and potential. He has a deep and lively Christian faith.

“The Churches are deeply embedded in the communities they serve, and the Dioceses of Southwark, London and Chelmsford, with the Episcopal Areas of Stepney and Barking, are committed to building positive relationships so that local people do not feel imposed upon but are listened to and respected. I am convinced that Duncan will ensure good working relationships with sports, cultural, training and regeneration partners.”

The Bishop of Stepney, The Right Reverend Stephen Oliver, has added:

“The legacy of the Olympic Games is vital to the future of our deprived local communities. I am thrilled that Duncan is bringing a wealth of experience to help bring new life to East London.”