The Revd Susan Myatt

The Diocese of Lichfield has appointed a chaplain to lead deaf church services across the region.

Baptist Minister the Revd Susan Myatt will lead and coordinate monthly services at St Michael and All Angels in Penkridge and oversee pastoral care for deaf people across the region.

The appointment comes after a partnership between the Church of England and the Baptist Association in the Midlands.

The Revd Susan Myatt
The Revd Susan Myatt

Susan, who was born profoundly deaf, said: “I love to find unity across the whole church and it is important to me that both deaf and hearing Christians are able to worship, pray and enjoy their faith together, using British Sign language as our main language.

“I am passionate that deaf people are empowered and encouraged to worship God in their own language and to explore their faith using creative and visual ways in prayer, bible study, drama and crafts.

“I also feel called to help the hearing Christian community join in with this so that deaf and hearing together can express their faith and worship.”

Susan will work alongside local Anglican priests who use BSL.

The Bishop of Lichfield, the Right Revd Dr Michael Ipgrave, said: “I am really pleased that we have appointed Susan to develop our ministry to bring deaf and hearing Christians together across the Diocese.

“Working across Christian denominations in this way is a practical outworking of the Gospel by showing that there is greater strength in unity as we serve together.”

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.