The REVEREND Dr Kevin Ellis has been appointed as the new Ministry Area Leader and priest for Conwy. Revd Dr Ellis, who has served the Diocese for over a decade, is making the move to be closer to healthcare services for his wife, Jennifer, who lives with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
An experienced priest, Kevin brings a wealth of experience to Bro Celynnin Ministry Area, which stretches from the centre of Conwy town to Tal-y-Bont in the Conwy Valley. Having served the Diocese of Bangor for over a decade, Kevin has previously led ministries in Bro Eleth on Anglesey and Bro Cybi in Holyhead. He is currently the Ministry Area Leader in Bro Madryn, which serves the northern communities of the Llyn Peninsula.
Kevin is known for his passion for sharing the Christian faith and growing the church, having recently supported the local Morfa Nefyn community to reopen St Mary’s Church in Morfa Nefyn, after a decade without regular worship. Since moving to North Wales, Kevin has learned Welsh, often conducting services in what has become his second language.
Kevin is married to Jennifer’ who is living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) – a factor that played a significant role in their decision to relocate.
Kevin said: “I had expected to be in Bro Madryn for longer where we have begun to see the church grow. However, family circumstances dictated it is the right time to move. The reality is that much of the treatment for MS is more easily accessed on the east side of our diocese. Moving to Conwy will make access to those centres easier for Jennifer.
“For me personally, the opportunity to minister in a place where the roots of Christianity run deep is deeply attractive. I look forward to being a new community and sharing who Jesus is with as many as possible.”
Kevin’s decision underscores the challenges faced by clergy families and the delicate balance between pastoral duties and personal responsibilities. Despite the difficulties of leaving a community he has grown to love, Kevin remains optimistic about the future.
He reflected: “Responding to God’s call demands certain things of us. It is sometimes unexpected.
“Conwy, like the Pen Llyn, is a beautiful place and I am excited about joining Bro Celynnin Ministry Area. Jennifer and I welcome prayers as we prepare for a new season in our lives.”
The appointment comes as part of the Diocese’s ongoing efforts to strengthen local ministries across North West Wales.
Bishop of Bardsey David Morris said: “We’re delighted with Kevin’s appointment to Bro Celynnin, serving the historic coastal town of Conwy and surrounding communities in the Conwy Valley.
“Kevin will bring great spiritual and intellectual gifts to this ministry, with a particular passion and skill for teaching and communicating faith.
“Kevin’s appointment coincides with several others across the diocese, where we are seeking to strengthen and sustain local ministry in North West Wales.”
