Archdeacon Jennifer appointed to new role at Virginia Theological Seminary

First published on: 6th May 2021

A portrait of Archdeacon Jennifer McKenzie taken at Everton Park overlooking Liverpool

Many congratulations to Archdeacon Jennifer McKenzie who has been appointed to a new role at Virginia Theological Seminary starting September 2021. This means she will be leaving our diocese at the end of July as she prepares to become Dean’s Advisor for New Initiatives. This interesting role will enable much of Jennifer's expertise to benefit the Episcopal Church through Virginia Seminary. But she will still be retaining links with our diocese as she remains the Theological Education Institution's representative on the Triangle of Hope.

Archdeacon Jennifer said "this is the toughest vocational decision I have ever had to make. I have absolutely loved the ministry in which I’ve been engaged here, and even more so have a deep love for all of you - colleagues, friends, and brilliant companions on this amazing Christian journey and for this place. However, I feel truly called to be able to take the insights I have learned here to the seminary and am excited by the challenges that lay ahead. I am also delighted to still retain the connection with the Diocese of Liverpool through the Triangle of Hope."

Bishop Paul said: “Archdeacon Jennifer has blessed us richly over her years in the Diocese, and she will be greatly missed. From the beginning of her time here I have been impressed by her concern for the churches and people of the Archdeaconry and the wider Diocese, and she has been able to enrich us all with the insights and experience of another part of the worldwide Anglican Communion.

"I’m particularly grateful to her for the work done with colleagues on the Triangle of Hope and theological education, as well as for her contribution to steering and guiding the life of the Skelmersdale Ecumenical Centre. Her national involvement in the Archdeacons’ network has blessed the wider church beyond the Diocese. I wish her well in these final months of her ministry among us, and I’m sure that the whole Diocese will join me in praying for her, Ken, and the family in the new chapter which will unfold in the US from the Summer."

We will have more details about how we will say farewell to Jennifer in the next few weeks

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