A historical precedent has been set with the appointment of the first-ever female Dean of Lichfield.
The Right Reverend Janet Elizabeth McFarlane, Interim Dean of Lichfield and an Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of Lichfield, is set to be the first woman in 1,300 years of the Cathedral’s history to take up the role.
Born in Stoke-on-Trent, Bishop Jan was ordained priest in 1994 and during her career has been Chaplain of Ely Cathedral, Archdeacon of Norwich and Suffragan Bishop of Repton.
King Charles has approved her appointment and she will be installed as Dean of Lichfield by the Bishop of Lichfield in Lichfield Cathedral on Saturday 21 September.
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.
“It’s a huge honour to be invited to lead us into an adventurous new chapter in the story of Lichfield.”
