Canon Helen to be Archdeacon

Helen Cunliffe will have oversight of parishes in the Aldenham, Berkhamsted, Hemel Hempstead, Hitchin, Rickmansworth, St Albans, Watford and Wheathampstead areas, working with the Bishop of Hertford and the Bishop of St Albans.

She said: "I am very excited at the prospect of joining St Albans diocese. I am looking forward to meeting the people in the parishes and also working with St Albans Abbey."

Bishop of St Albans Christopher Herbert said: "I am delighted that Helen will be coming to the diocese, and I know she will receive a warm welcome and will be greatly valued in her role as Archdeacon of St Albans. She joins a strong and highly committed team, and we very much look forward to the benefit of her wide experience and insight."

The Bishop of Southwark Tom Butler said: “I wish Helen well as she begins her new ministry. Her gifts and skill make her well suited to the role of an Archdeacon and I am sure that she will be greatly valued in St Albans Diocese, as she has been here in Southwark.”

Dean of Southwark Cathedral Colin Slee, said: “We are absolutely delighted”.

Helen Cunliffe was made deacon-in-charge of St Paul's Church, Clapham, in 1996 and later became its first woman vicar. At present she is a familiar figure at the Bankside Residents Forum and the Cathedral School where she is Chair of Governors.

Helen Cunliffe succeeds The Ven. Richard Cheetham, who is to be Bishop of Kingston with responsibility for the Waterloo area.