New Rural Dean Announced - 29th November 2006

New Rural Dean - Revd Ian Finn with Archdeacon David Brierley

It has been announced that the new Rural Dean for Clare Deanery appointed by Bishop Richard, will be Revd Ian Finn of the Bansfield Benefice. Thank you to all those who have offered congratulations and best wishes. Licensing by Archdeacon David Brierley was at the Deanery Synod meeting in Kedington church on the 29th November 2006. The news item was covered in the Haverhill Echo.

What's a Rural Dean?

In the Church of England, a Rural Dean presides over a Rural Deanery (more commonly simply referred to as a Deanery).

The rural dean is an officer of the bishop and, together with an elected layperson, chairs the deanery synod. In this capacity, the rural dean also participates in decisions affecting a benefice within the deanery. In practice, the rural dean's role is in assisting the parish and diocese to resolve issues, especially those arising during a clergy vacancy.

Rural Dean's Role

• Sharing in the Episcope of the Bishop
• Representative of the Archdeacon
• Channel of Communication between Bishop, clergy and Deanery
• Convenor of the Clergy Chapter (clergy meetings in the Deanery)
• Chairman of the Deanery Synod
• Guiding parishes during vacancies
• Helping with the welcoming of newly appointed clergy in the Deanery
• A primary link with Civil Authorities in the deanery area
• Ecumenical link within the Deanery