The Revd Tom Heffer to become 15th Secretary General

22-04-2009

THE Mission to Seafarers today announces that the Revd Tom Heffer, currently director of chaplaincy, The Mission to Seafarers, will succeed the Revd Canon Bill Christianson as the society’s Secretary General from July 1 2009.

Speaking on his appointment, the Revd Heffer said: “It is a tremendous privilege to be asked to serve The Mission to Seafarers as successor to the Revd Canon Bill Christianson. As Secretary General he has led the society over the last eight years through an important period of change in its history. It is a tribute to him that he leaves the organisation in such good shape as it continues to serve seafarers in more than 230 ports around the world.

“Since the middle of the 19th Century the Flying Angel logo of The Mission to Seafarers has symbolised a safe haven of hope and support to seafarers and their families worldwide. I have seen at first hand the difference that our ministry makes to their lives, so when I assume the role of Secretary General I will work to ensure that the society remains true to its aim and vocation of caring for those who call upon its services in their hour of need.”

The Revd Tom Heffer was born in 1969 and educated at Aylesbury Grammar and King’s College, London. After graduating with an Honours degree in Divinity, Tom worked for The Mission to Seafarers as a chaplain’s assistant in New Orleans and Singapore. Following his ordination as a priest in 1996, he held a number of appointments within the Church of England including chaplain to the Bishop of Norwich. In 2001 he rejoined The Mission to Seafarers as its ministry secretary.

The Chairman of The Mission to Seafarers, Mr Robert Woods CBE, welcomed the Revd Heffer’s appointment and added: “I am delighted that Tom has accepted the role of Secretary General of The Mission to Seafarers. We had many impressive applicants for the role, but Tom’s vast knowledge of the shipping world and experience of the challenges of maritime ministry made him the outstanding candidate. Tom takes on the position at a difficult time in the shipping community but I am confident that he will build on the magnificent work done by Bill Christianson who has been a figure of international stature within the shipping world and highly respected by both seafarers and shipowners alike.”

Click here to read a statement from the Secretary General-Designate