Archdeacon of Norwich, the Venerable Jan McFarlane, is set to become acting press secretary to the Archbishop of Canterbury, based at Lambeth Palace in London. Keith Morris reports.
Jan (pictured right), who is also communications director for the Diocese of Norwich, will be handling the media for the Rt Rev Justin Welby, who became Archbishop in March and has already had to tackle issues such as the crisis in Syria, pay day lenders such as Wonga.com, Pope Francis, the G8 Summit, poverty and injustice across the world, gay marriage and the future of the Anglican Communion
Jan is set to take on the key role for a few months from September 2 until a new director of communications is appointed by the Archbishop.
Jan has been in the Norwich communications role for 14 years and understands the structures of the CofE, being a member of General Synod. The role will be to provide media cover and advice on communications and media to the Archbishop and to help shape the new role for the person appointed.
“It will be fascinating to learn more about the day-to-day ministry of the Archbishop of Canterbury, and living in historic Lambeth Palace, overlooking the Thames and Big Ben is a once in a lifetime opportunity,” she said. “At the same time I’m very aware of the responsibility of handling the Archbishop’s communications and prayers would be much appreciated!”Asked if she was interested in the permanent role, Jan said: “I’ve not applied for the new post as I’m a priest at heart and want to stay in a diocesan role. I’ll be living in the attic of Lambeth Palace and returning to my husband and puppy here in Norwich whenever the Archbishop’s diary allows!”
www.archbishopofcanterbury.org
Pictured above is the Archbishop of Canterbury in Norwich with the Bishop of Norwich back in March.
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