The Bishop of Aberdeen and Orkney is pleased to announce that she is appointing Revd Canon Dr Jennifer Holden as Dean of the Diocese.
Bishop Anne writes:
“In Jenny the diocese has a person who has worshipped here as a lay person and been through vocational discernment in this context to become an ordinand. After training full time with the Scottish Episcopal Institute at New College, Edinburgh, she returned here to serve a curacy at St John the Evangelist, Aberdeen, and she currently encourages our discipleship as Advisor for Christian Life. All of this reveals a deep love for and commitment to the diocese. Her your vocation to Aberdeen and Orkney has persevered through the last very difficult years. This gives Jenny a deep and lived into understanding of what the diocese has all been through, and what is required to move forward into health and holiness. I am delighted that Jenny has agreed to serve among us as Dean.”
Alongside doing the work and ministry of the Dean, Jenny will continue in her role as Advisor for Christian life. She will also continue as a Trinity Leader Fellow on the Programme run out of Trinity Church, New York.
Before her ordination, Jenny was Senior Research Fellow at the University of Aberdeen considering the impact of digital technology on the rural economy. Alongside this Jenny has skills in business and community engagement, communications, and education. Jenny has lived in England, Zambia, Germany, and the USA. She was baptised in the United Reformed Church, and became an Anglican at confirmation at the age of 14. Jenny enjoys good coffee and cake, reading literature of all kinds, and spending time with friends.
Canon Jenny writes:
“I am delighted and honoured to accept this appointment. This diocese has been my spiritual home for the last thirteen years. It has nurtured me and encouraged my vocation, and continues to do so. This is a diverse diocese, and I am looking forward to supporting our congregations, near and far, whatever their present challenges.”
Please pray for Jenny as she takes up this post.
You are very welcome to join us on Sunday 14 September, for a service of Songs of Praise for Holy Cross Day, at which the new Dean will be preaching. This service will include a celebration of lay ministry in the diocese.
