Sally Gaze

Sally has been the Archdeacon of Rural Mission since 2019. She is the Director of ‘Growing in God in the Countryside’, a six-year initiative jointly funded by the Church Commissioners and the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich. An important part of the project was the beginning of the Suffolk Fresh Expressions Community, known as ‘Lightwave.’

Lightwave is a Christian community, meeting in small groups, predominantly in rural areas and working closely with local parish churches. The name comes from the idea of light waves being the way in which light spreads into dark places. Lightwave is committed to shining the light of Jesus through Christian witness and practical service: Our groups are especially involved in combatting isolation and poverty, engaging in youth work, care for creation, and agricultural chaplaincy.

Sally has a long-term passion for rural mission and is involved in a number of initiatives at a national level. Before moving to Suffolk, Sally was the team Rector of the Tas Valley Team Ministry, in the Norwich Diocese for 15 very happy years. For part of this time she was also the Facilitator of Fresh Expressions of Church. She is author of ‘Mission Shaped and Rural’ (CHP).