Littleover Vicar the Rev’d Jackie Searle is to lead the development of women clergy’s work in Derbyshire since she was licensed as Dean of Women’s Ministry by the Bishop of Derby.

Ms Searle will continue her work as Vicar of St Peter’s Church, in Littleover, while advising the Bishop of Derby on developing women’s ministry across Derbyshire. She will also be part of the Bishop’s senior team of staff.

She said: “I feel very excited about this role. It is a great opportunity for the Church of England to further appreciate that both men and women are made in God’s image and that we are all called to share in the ministry of the Church to further God’s work in our communities. Whilst women are broadly accepted and effective in the parishes where they work, there is still an imbalance in the number of women in more senior positions in the Church. My work will help women clergy to develop their gifts and talents with a view to them taking up more senior posts in the future.”

The Rev’d Canon Mary Goldsmith, Vicar in the parishes of Chelmorton, Monyash and Taddington, near Buxton, has been Adviser on Women’s Ministry in the Diocese of Derby for over three years. She will continue to care for and support women clergy throughout Derbyshire, complementing Ms Searle’s work.

The Rt Rev’d Dr Alastair Redfern, Bishop of Derby said: “This is an exciting appointment that reflects the value the Church places on women’s ministry and the desire for them to be included in every level of the church’s ministry. Jackie will be strategic in this role, nurturing and developing women clergy’s vocations. She will also be available to our parishes to speak about women’s ministry and related issues. We have 50 female clergy in this diocese, each with unique gifts, talents and potential. I am delighted to have licensed Jackie in this role to develop that potential and see our women clergy grow in the vocation they have been called to.”

Jackie was licensed for her new role this month at a service in Derby Cathedral.

ENDS