THE Archdeacon of the Gwent Valleys, the Ven. Sue Pinnington, died suddenly at the weekend, aged 55, the Church in Wales has announced.

The Bishop of Monmouth, the Rt Revd Cherry Vann, said in a statement on Sunday: “Today we have lost a pillar of our church family and community. Archdeacon Sue had a real passion for the mission of the church. She was full of energy and was hugely popular, both with those she served and with her fellow clergy. She was an excellent and supportive colleague and will be greatly missed.

“Her death is a huge shock to us all and a great loss. We commend her to God and our sympathy and prayers go out to her family and loved ones.”

Before her appointment as Archdeacon of the Gwent Valleys, and Diocesan Director of Mission, in 2018, Archdeacon Pinnington was for ten years the Rector of Houghton-le-Spring in Durham diocese. From 2000 to 2008, she was Vicar of Cottingley, in Bradford diocese, having served her title in Peterborough diocese. In 2004, she was made an honorary canon of Bradford Cathedral. She was ordained priest in 1998, having trained for ordination at St Stephen’s House, Oxford.

In 2010, she was awarded an MBE for services to the community, in recognition of leading the Cottingley Cornerstone Project, which involved building the new St Michael and All Angels’ Church, the Cottingley Cornerstone Centre, and the regeneration of the centre of Cottingley (News, 18 June 2010).

Details of Archdeacon Pinnington’s funeral will be announced in due course.