Thinking Anglicans

Dean of Newcastle

Press release from the Church of England

New Dean of Newcastle announced

14/07/2023

The Reverend Canon Lee Batson has been announced as the next Dean of Newcastle.

He succeeds The Very Reverend Dr Jane Hedges, who has been Interim Dean since January, following the retirement of The Very Reverend Geoff Miller last year.

Lee is currently Team Rector of the Epping Team Ministry, as well as Area Dean and World Church Partnership Officer in Chelmsford Diocese, where he developed a strong connection with the Anglican Church in Kenya. He also serves on the Diocesan Board of Education, and is Chair of a large Multi-Academy Trust.

Read the full story on the Diocese of Newcastle website. An installation service for Lee to formally become Dean will take place at Newcastle Cathedral on 14 October.

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Nicholas Henshall
Nicholas Henshall
1 year ago

This is fantastic news for Newcastle Cathedral and for the Diocese as a whole. Lee is a down to earth parish priest who has demonstrated his gifts and abilities in village ministry, in ministry on a huge housing development, and in the strategic leadership of a thriving team ministry. He has a real gift for working with colleagues and recognising and developing their gifts. Throughout his ministry Lee has been committed to serving local congregations whilst also exercising a ministry in the public square, building durable and effective relationships. His commitment to the Heartedge network speaks powerfully of his commitment… Read more »

FrDavid H
FrDavid H
1 year ago

I see in his CV he likes “exploring the world of wine”. Is that a posh CofE expression for boozing?

Anthony Archer
Anthony Archer
Reply to  FrDavid H
1 year ago

Isn’t it Newcastle Brown up there? 😂

FrDavid H
FrDavid H
Reply to  Anthony Archer
1 year ago

Yes. He’ll have to get used to Newcastle Broon and buy a new cloth cap.

Stuart Cradduck
Stuart Cradduck
1 year ago

A fabulous appointment. Lee is an amazing person and priest 😁

Andy Gr
Andy Gr
1 year ago

Lee has the heart of a parish priest, a global perspective and the instincts of a team leader. We’ll miss him in Essex.

Father David
Father David
1 year ago

What a tonic to see a photograph of a smiling Dean. What a contrast to the Dean of St. Ogg’s – the Very Reverend Lionel Pugh-Critchley who was never knowingly to have smiled. Mind, being married to Mrs. Grace Pugh Critchley there must have been very few opportunities to smile!

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