# Steven Betts

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For the musician, see [Stephen Betts](/source/Stephen_Betts).

**Steven James Betts** (born 22 November 1964) is a British [Church of England](/source/Church_of_England) priest. Since 2012, he has been the [Archdeacon of Norfolk](/source/Archdeacon_of_Norfolk).

## Early life and education

Betts was born on 22 November 1964 to Ronald and Mary Betts.[1] He grew up in [Nottingham](/source/Nottingham), [Nottinghamshire](/source/Nottinghamshire).[2] He was educated at the [Nottingham Bluecoat School](/source/Nottingham_Bluecoat_School), then a [grammar school](/source/Grammar_school).[1] He studied [chemistry](/source/Chemistry) at the [University of York](/source/University_of_York) and graduated with a [Bachelor of Science](/source/Bachelor_of_Science) (BSc) degree in 1986.[2][3]

In 1987, Betts entered [Ripon College Cuddesdon](/source/Ripon_College_Cuddesdon) to train for ordination.[3] During this time, he also studied [theology](/source/Theology) at the [University of Oxford](/source/University_of_Oxford), completing a [Certificate](/source/Certificate_of_Higher_Education) in Theology (CTh) in 1990.[1]

## Ordained ministry

Betts was [ordained](/source/Ordained) in the [Church of England](/source/Church_of_England) as a [deacon](/source/Deacon#Anglicanism) in 1990 and as a [priest](/source/Priest#Anglican_or_Episcopalian) in 1991.[3] From 1990 to 1994, he served his [curacy](/source/Curacy) at [Holy Cross Church](/source/Holy_Cross_Church,_Bearsted), [Bearsted](/source/Bearsted), Kent, in the [Diocese of Canterbury](/source/Diocese_of_Canterbury).[1]

In 1994, Betts moved to the [Diocese of Norwich](/source/Diocese_of_Norwich).[4] From 1994 to 1997, he served as [chaplain](/source/Bishop's_chaplain) to [Peter Nott](/source/Peter_Nott), the then [Bishop of Norwich](/source/Bishop_of_Norwich).[1] From 1997 to 2005, he was [Vicar](/source/Vicar_(Anglicanism)) of the Church of St Margaret, [Old Catton](/source/Old_Catton), [Norfolk](/source/Norfolk). Between 2001 and 2005, he was additionally the [Rural Dean](/source/Rural_Dean) of Norwich North.[3] From 2005 to 2012, he was the Bishop's Officer for Ordinands and Initial Training[1][2] In that role, he had responsibility for all candidates for ordination from the Diocese of Norwich and for the training of the diocese's newly ordained clergy.[4] He was made an [honorary canon](/source/Honorary_canon) of [Norwich Cathedral](/source/Norwich_Cathedral) in 2008.[3]

In 2012, Betts was appointed [Archdeacon of Norfolk](/source/Archdeacon_of_Norfolk).[3] On 29 April 2012, he was installed as [archdeacon](/source/Archdeacon#Anglican_Communion) in Norwich Cathedral.[2][4]

Betts was Chair of the House of Clergy of the Diocese of Norwich.[2] He is one of four elected representatives from the Diocese of Norwich at the 2015-2020 [General Synod of the Church of England](/source/General_Synod_of_the_Church_of_England).[5]

On the 12 May 2026, it was announced that Betts will retire on 18 September 2026 with a service at [Norwich Cathedral](/source/Norwich_Cathedral).[6]

## Personal life

In 1992, Betts married Sarah Taylor.[1] She is a [clinical scientist](/source/Medical_laboratory_scientist).[2] Together, they have three sons.[1]

## References

1. ["BETTS, Ven. Steven James"](http://www.ukwhoswho.com/view/article/oupww/whoswho/U256455). *Who's Who 2015*. Oxford University Press. November 2014. Retrieved 22 November 2015.

1. ["Archdeacon of Norfolk"](http://www.dioceseofnorwich.org/about/bishops/archdeacon-norfolk/). *Diocese of Norfolk*. Church of England. Retrieved 22 November 2015.

1. ["Canon Steven Betts appointed as Archdeacon of Norfolk"](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-16812670). *BBC News*. 31 January 2012. Retrieved 22 November 2015.

1. ["List of Members - House of Clergy"](https://www.churchofengland.org/about-us/structure/general-synod/about-general-synod/list-of-members/house-of-clergy.aspx#Norwich). *General Synod*. The Church of England. 2015. Retrieved 22 November 2015.

1. elizabethhumphries (2026-05-12). ["An announcement about the forthcoming retirement of The Venerable Steven Betts, Archdeacon of Norfolk"](https://www.dioceseofnorwich.org/an-announcement-about-the-forthcoming-retirement-of-the-venerable-steven-betts-archdeacon-of-norfolk/). *Diocese of Norwich*. Retrieved 2026-05-21.

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