The Diocese of Leeds is pleased to announce the new Chief Officer of Wellsprings Together, Siaa-Liane Mathurin.
Siaa is a seasoned leader with a passion for Jesus, justice and working together with people to transform communities.
Wellsprings Together is dedicated to working collaboratively with parishes, churches, faith communities and local organisations offering capacity, expertise and resources, working in partnership.
It is a social action partner for the Diocese of Leeds and Church Urban Fund working with churches, schools faith communities and local organisations towards community cohesion and social justice.
With a commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by different groups, the organization emphasizes the importance of compassion, cooperation, and collective action.
Introducing herself, Siaa said: “My identity is firmly in Christ, but I am also proud of my Caribbean heritage and Welsh roots and describe myself as a black, Welsh woman.
“The colour blind approach doesn’t work for me - it negates who I am because if you don’t see colour you don’t see me.
“I am so much more than my colour, but it is an intrinsic part of who I am.
“I am truly blessed; I’m a mum of several children and even more grandchildren!
“I studied theology and trained for ministry at Spurgeon’s London, and pastored a church for seven years in South London.
“I left my life in London, my church, my adult children and grandchildren after experiencing a profound call from God to Leeds just over a year ago, and soon after that joined Wellsprings Together.
“I had envisioned my new home would be in Roundhay, but God chose sunny Seacroft, and I love living here with my two youngest sons.
“I am passionate about my church, St Richard’s, and being part of a loving, growing spiritually rich Seacroft Parish, and part of the exciting East Leeds revival.”
Siaa has a wealth of experience in church leadership, asset-based community development, project management, social regeneration capacity building, racial justice and faith-based initiatives.
She brings a rich understanding of the diverse needs of communities, and a visionary approach to fostering collaboration among parishes and the communities they serve.
She is currently also studying for her Masters in Race, Education and Decolonial Thought at Leeds Beckett, and is a post graduate online student in Theology at St Hild’s.
Siaa said: “I have been a passionate advocate for racial justice & anti-racism for many years, having experienced as a black woman the insidious sin of racism throughout my life.
“I am committed to racial equality, and more widely addressing social inequality.
“In addition to promoting community connections and cohesion, for many years I have worked with diverse groups to support equitable change and have a special interests in gender justice, disability justice and climate justice.”
“I believe my vision and dedication to kingdom building, community cohesion, community engagement and social justice align perfectly with loving, living and learning diocesan mission and our mission at Wellsprings Together, which is to ‘inspire a movement of faith-motivated social action that will help people and communities thrive.’
“I am delighted to be the new Chief Officer of an organisation that has a strong collaborative relationship between its Board and a remarkable team of skilled, talented and dedicated employees.
“This synergy not only enhances decision-making but also fosters a dynamic work environment that drives innovation and excellence within Wellspring Together.
“As I step into this pivotal role, I anticipate new initiatives that will further strengthen community ties and promote social equity.
Wellsprings Together is a free resource to help people better understand the communities they serve and their needs, and to help engage with them in impactful ways, ensuring that faith is put into action to meet the needs of all.
Siaa said: “If you’re a church leader, curate, or on a PCC I would love an opportunity to meet with you over coffee to hear what you feel God’s vision is for your church, and how Wellsprings Together might be able to work with you and your parish to make that a reality, and affect long term sustainable change.”
Siaa will officially take on this role on Monday, October 14.
The Rt Revd Toby Howarth, Bishop of Bradford and Chair of the Board of Wellsprings Together, said: "On behalf of the rest of the Board of Wellsprings Together, I am delighted that we are welcoming Siaa-Liane Mathurin as our new Chief Officer.
"Siaa is well-known to many of our partners in her current role with Wellsprings as a Parish Development Officer, and brings a wealth of experience both in community development and as a church minister.”
For more information about Wellsprings Together, please click here.