Episcopal Church of Scotland to appoint first female dean

The Scottish Episcopal Church is about to make history with its first female dean.

The Bishop-elect of Edinburgh, the Very Rev Dr John Armes, is to be consecrated on 12 May and plans to appoint the Rev Susan Macdonald as Dean of the Diocese of Edinburgh.

She will be installed on 13 May at a service in St Mary’s Cathedral, Edinburgh, the same venue where Dr Armes is to be consecrated.

As dean, Rev Macdonald will have oversight of church buildings and be responsible for the inspection of registers, inventories and records of congregations.

She will also act on behalf of the bishop if required and support him in his ministry in the diocese.

Rev Macdonald has served as rector of Christ Church, Edinburgh, since 2007. She will replace Dr Armes, who is current Dean of Edinburgh.

“I am delighted and honoured to be invited by the bishop-elect to serve as Dean of the Diocese of Edinburgh following his consecration in May, and very much look forward to working alongside him,” she said.

“In taking up the office of dean I will continue to be committed to my role as Rector of Christ Church Morningside, a place of challenge, stimulation and nourishment where I have learned so much over the past five years and continue to do so.”

Dr Armes has been Dean of Edinburgh since 2010 and still serves as Rector of St John’s Church, Princes Street, a role he has held since 1998.

He said: “I am delighted that Susan is to become the new Dean of Edinburgh. Having been born and brought up in the Borders and now serving as Rector of Christ Church, Morningside she brings wide experience of the Edinburgh Diocese and an understanding of the urban and rural challenges facing the Church.

“I look forward to working with Susan in developing new and creative initiatives within the diocese.”