A new Dean of Women’s Ministry for our Diocese, Rev. Lucie Lunn, has been appointed by the Bishop of Blackburn, Rt Rev. Philip North.  

Lucie, pictured, is Vicar of Hornby, Claughton and Whittington with Arkholme and Gressingham and will continue in that role alongside her new responsibilities.

• See below for a short biography of Lucie and watch a brief introductory video by viewing the embedded video above or clicking here to go to our YouTube channel. 

She succeeds Rev. Canon Anne Beverley who was recently appointed as the new Diocesan Director of Ministry, taking up that role at the start of March.

Speaking today, Lucie said: “Being appointed as the new Dean of Women’s Ministry at this time was especially joyful as we recently celebrated the 30^th anniversary of the first ordinations of women clergy. It’s a time to look back with gratitude and to look forward to the work ahead.

“Much has been achieved by many wonderful women over these three decades, but there is still more to do.”

Lucie continued: “This Diocese is committed to have strong representation from women of all backgrounds at all levels and contexts; ordained and also licensed lay ministers (LLMs). I hope I can use my new role to play my part in this work and to encourage as many women as possible to step forward and to flourish as we take message of Jesus Christ to all parts of Lancashire.”

Bishop Philip added: “I’m delighted Rev. Lucie Lunn has agreed to become our new Dean of Women’s Ministry and I thank Rev. Anne Beverley for her service in the role previously.

“This important advisory position also comes with a place on my Vision and Strategy Team.

“We want to encourage, motivate and develop opportunities for women to flourish in leadership, lay and ordained, that God has called or is calling them into and I look forward to the contributions Lucie will make in this context.”

Biography

Originally from Newcastle upon Tyne, Lucie left the North East and a career in the Law, when she and husband Ramsay were expecting the first of their three children; all born and raised in deeply rural Cumbria.

Lucie established an early years community group in a village location, supporting young mums dealing with isolation, post-natal depression and domestic abuse.

Ordained in Carlisle, Lucie worked in a 12 church team, a Cathedral and a Lakeland market town before her first incumbency saw her become incumbent of a five parish Benefice in Furness.

As a trained mediator and Spiritual Director, Lucie has a particular interest in Reconciliation Ministry and has overseen parish amalgamation, building closures and conflict transformation work in church and schools.

Lucie is passionate about creating safe spaces for spiritual growth and worship. Her personal interests include needle-felting, dog-walking and British garden snails!

Lucie moved into north Lancashire last year to take up the post of Vicar of Hornby, Whittington, Arkholme and Gressingham in The Church of England in Lancashire (Blackburn Diocese).

Ronnie Semley, March 2024