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REX
UK News

Female dean ruled out of bishop job

by Antony Bushfield

Dean of Norwich, Very Revd Jane Hedges, told reporters she will 'definitely not' be in a new job in the near future.

Her comments come after the Church's General Synod rubber stamped a bill to allow both males and females into the highest jobs.

The original decision was made in July but the legislation had to be voted on again after passing through parliament.

She said: "Inevitably there has been a great deal of speculation about who will be the first woman to be ordained bishop and today Ladbrokes has even named several women including myself together with the odds being offered.

"Having arrived in Norwich just five months ago I would like people to know that I will definitely not be amongst the first women to be made a bishop.

"I feel privileged to be Dean of Norwich and believe that God has called me to be here.

"I am incredibly happy in this post – I love the Cathedral, the city, the diocese and the county and I am fortunate to be working with wonderful colleagues both at the Cathedral and in the Bishop's senior staff team."

The first vacancy to be filled after the change in canon law is Southwell and Nottingham followed by Gloucester, Oxford and Newcastle.

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