The former Archdeacon of Norwich, Jan McFarlane has today (June 29) been consecrated as Bishop of Repton by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Bishop Jan is the sixth Suffragan Bishop of Repton in the Diocese of Derby and the ninth female bishop in the Church of England.
Jan’s consecration took place in Canterbury Cathedral at 11am. She was consecrated alongside Jo Bailey-Wells, formerly Chaplain to the Archbishop of Canterbury, who has become Bishop of Dorking in the Diocese of Guildford.
The Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Revd Graham James, said: “Jan McFarlane is known throughout Norfolk and Waveney because of her many appearances on local and regional media. Her ability to express her Christian faith so winningly and to connect with people will make her a fine bishop too. We will miss her greatly but are glad to make such a wonderful gift to the Diocese of Derby.
“It’s thrilling to see Jan consecrated at Canterbury Cathedral, surrounded by crowds of family, friends and colleagues who admire and love her. She will continue to be a great blessing to God’s Church.”
Bishop Jan made promises to act as a pastor to the clergy and parishes under her care, to faithfully teach the Christian faith and doctrine of the Church of England, to strive for peace and to lead with gentleness and mercy. The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd and Rt Hon Justin Welby, led the service.
Jan will be welcomed to the Diocese at a special service in Derby Cathedral during September. As the second most senior appointment in the Diocese, she will be required to advise and consult with key people and organisations involved with the wellbeing of communities in Derbyshire. She is the first female Bishop in the Diocese of Derby, and in the East Midlands, and the ninth female Bishop in the Church of England.
Jan said: “It’s difficult to put into words just what an awe-inspiring and emotional service we had in the beautiful and historic Canterbury Cathedral. I’m very grateful to all those who came along to support me on such a momentous occasion, and I’m greatly looking forward to beginning my new ministry in Derbyshire.”
Jan came to the Diocese of Norwich in 1999 as Director of Communications. In 2001 she combined that role with being the Bishop of Norwich’s Chaplain until 2009 when she was appointed Archdeacon of Norwich, continuing as Director of Communications too. In addition, in 2015 she became Warden of Readers.
There will be a farewell service in Norwich Cathedral on Wednesday July 6 at 7pm, when we give thanks for Jan’s ministry over the past 16 years in the diocese. All are welcome to attend – no booking is required.
Pictured above at today’s consecration at Canterbury Cathedral is, right, the new Bishop of Repton the Rt Rev Jan McFarlane, with the Archbishop of Canterbury and, left, the new Bishop of Dorking, Rt Rev Dr Jo Bailey-Wells. Picture courtesy of Canterbury Cathedral.
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