New Dean announced

Yesterday it was announced by 10 Downing Street that His Majesty The King has approved the nomination of The Rt Revd Janet McFarlane, Interim Dean of Lichfield and an Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of Lichfield, for appointment as Dean of Lichfield.

The Lord Bishop of Lichfield, The Rt Revd Dr Michael Ipgrave said, ‘I am very glad that Bishop Jan will be the next Dean of Lichfield. She has handled her role as Interim Dean over the last year with warmth and deftness and I know her appointment will be popular with staff and visitors alike. Her love for the region shines brightly and her love for the things of God brighter still.’  

Bishop Jan said, ‘I am beyond delighted to have been appointed as the first female Dean of Lichfield. I was ordained in Lichfield Cathedral 30 years ago and if you had told me then that I’d be returning one day as Dean, I would have grinned with utter disbelief! I was born and grew up in Stoke-on-Trent and so, even though I have lived in very many parts of the country over the years, I feel as if I have come home. It has been a joy to serve as Interim Dean in this vibrant Cathedral with its hard-working and gifted staff and volunteers; and in the wider Diocese, in all its wonderful diversity; and it’s a huge honour to be invited to lead us into an adventurous new chapter in the story of Lichfield.’ 

Jan will be the first female Dean of Lichfield in the Cathedral’s 1300 year history and is seen above with Sue Hannam, the first female headteacher of Lichfield Cathedral School.  "I speak on behalf of all staff, governors, pupils and parents when I say how utterly delighted we are that Bishop Jan will be the next Dean of Lichfield.  It has been wonderful working with her over the last year and we offer our heartfelt congratulations on this significant achievement."

Jan will be installed as Dean of Lichfield by the Bishop of Lichfield in Lichfield Cathedral on Saturday 21 September at 2.30pm.

Photo credit: Simon Jones