|PIC1|The Rev Tom Heffer has been announced as Mission to Seafarers’ new Secretary General.

The Rev Heffer has a long history with Mission to Seafarers, having previously been a chaplain’s assistant with the ministry in New Orleans and Singapore. He has held several positions within Mission to Seafarers over the last eight years and is the ministry’s current director of chaplaincy.

He will succeed the outgoing Rev Canon Canon Bill Christianson on July 1.

“It is a tremendous privilege to be asked to serve The Mission to Seafarers as successor to the Rev Canon Bill Christianson,” he said.

“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.”

Chairman of Mission to Seafarers, Robert Woods, said Rev Heffer’s vast knowledge of the shipping world and experience of the challenges of maritime ministry made him the “outstanding” candidate for the role of Secretary General.

“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 ship owners alike,” he said.