A FORMER Dean of Bromsgrove has been awarded the Cross of St Wulfstan for his outstanding contribution to the church in the Diocese of Worcester.
Rev Dick Johnson was Area Dean of Bromsgrove from 2008 to 2012.
He has worked in the Diocese since 2006, most recently as Development Officer for Faith at Work in Worcestershire, as well as Lead Chaplain for West Mercia Police and Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service.
Dick was ordained in 1990 and, after three years in the Philippines, in 1997, he was appointed town centre Chaplain in Bexleyheath.
When Dick moved to the Diocese of Worcester, his role included serving as chaplain to the Fire Service and to Qinetiq in Malvern.
He also served as Team Vicar in the Holy Trinity Team in Redditch and Chaplain to Redditch Town Centre.
In 2017, Dick left the parish to work directly, part-time, for the Fire Service and West Mercia Police as their joint Lead Chaplain.
Dick said: ‘It is an honour to join the fellowship of those who have been recipients of the Cross of St Wulfstan and one which I see as recognition of the ministry of all those who have been industrial and workplace chaplains in Worcestershire with me over these 20 years.
“It has been an amazing team to work with, and a great Diocese to be part of.”
Bishop Hugh, who presented Dick with his award, added: “I was delighted to be able to award my first Wulfstan cross to Dick Johnson.
“Dick has been a great proponent of chaplaincy in this diocese and nationally and has been a Christian presence for those who might not otherwise encounter our faith.
“It is obvious that he has a strong commitment to being at the interface between the church and the world and throughout his time in our diocese has ensured we continue to focus on those outside of our buildings as well as those inside.”
St Wulfstan lived between 1008 and 1095, serving as Bishop of Worcester under the last two Saxon kings and the first two Norman kings.
