11 March 2024
The Bishop of Chelmsford, the Rt Rev Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani has announced the appointment of the Rev Dr Sue Lucas as Area Dean of Waltham Forest for a period of one year.
Sue, who serves as Team Rector of East Ham, in the Newham Deanery, was appointed following consultation with clergy in the Waltham Forest Deanery and her co-option onto the Waltham Forest Deanery Synod.
Commenting on the appointment, Bishop Guli said:
“I’m very grateful to the Rev Vanessa Conant for her leadership as Area Dean of Waltham Forest since 2022, and now to Sue for agreeing to take on the role from her for the next year.
"I know Sue’s appointment has been warmly welcomed by the clergy of the Waltham Forest Deanery and members of the Deanery Synod and it will be good news for all who serve in the parishes and worshipping communities of Waltham Forest.”
The Bishop of Barking, the Rt Rev Lynne Cullens said:
“The churches in the Waltham Forest Deanery will benefit greatly from having Sue as their Area Dean for the next year. She brings a wealth of experience of local parish ministry from her role as Rector of East Ham and I’m very grateful to her for accepting this additional responsibility. I know that she will be well supported by all who serve in our church communities.”
The Rev Dr Sue Lucas said:
“I am excited to be taking on this new role. I am hugely grateful to God’s people in Waltham Forest for their willingness to co-opt me to Deanery Synod and to work together to discern what God is doing in Waltham Forest and join in. There are many opportunities and challenges ahead, and it is a privilege to be called to this role in this vibrant, diverse, and dynamic part of East London.”
Sue has served as Team Rector of East Ham since 2016 a role that she will continue when she is Area Dean of Waltham Forest. She is also a member of Chelmsford Diocesan Synod and a Chelmsford Diocese representative on the Church of England General Synod.
