A NEW woman Dean has been appointed in East London this week by the Church of England. The Rev Julia Porter-Pryce has been made Dean of Hackney on one of Britain's most deprived areas

A NEW woman Dean has been appointed in East London this week by the Church of England.

She is The Rev Julia Porter-Pryce, who has been made Dean of Hackney.

Her appointment is on top of her present post as vicar of St Peter de Beauvoir Town in Dalston where she has served since 2002.

The new dean’s responsibilities now take her across Hackney, supporting clergy and parishes and making contact in the wider community.

“I believe we have a significant contribution to make to the future of Hackney, working alongside people of all faiths,” she said.

Her appointment was announced yesterday (June 8) by the Bishop of Stepney, The Rt Rev Stephen Oliver, who has begun a programme to boost the Anglican Church in East London.

He said: “Julia will bring experience, pastoral care and good leadership to our work with the wider community.”

Julia’s reaching out’ commitment will be heavy, with Hackney playing a key role in the Diocese of London which runs 150 social projects including work with asylum seekers, mental and physical disabilities, the elderly, refugees and the homeless.

The diocese covers 17 London boroughs north of the Thames, with 87 parishes in some of Britain’s most deprived areas such as Hackney and neighbouring Tower Hamlets.