Emmanuel Theological College is delighted to announce that its new Dean is to be Canon Jeremy Duff.
Jeremy currently serves as Principal of the St Padarn’s Institute in Cardiff and in that role has transformed leadership training and support in the Church in Wales.
He brings a rich and varied background to the role of Dean. Jeremy spent time in the army before studying at Cambridge and then completed a PhD in the New Testament at Oxford. He has served in urban parishes in Toxteth and Widnes. He has been on the staff of Wycliffe Hall, was a school chaplain, and has also served as a residentiary canon at Liverpool Cathedral.
Jeremy is a North West man through and through with a thoroughgoing commitment to the region and is passionate about the need for a strong theological college to serve the six dioceses who founded Emmanuel.
Reflecting on his appointment, Jeremy said, ‘I am delighted to be appointed to the role of Dean of Emmanuel Theological College. Across the North West, day in day out, churches, chaplaincies, church schools, fresh expressions and cathedrals are doing a brilliant job in sharing the love of Jesus in their communities. Emmanuel has a joyful but weighty calling to form, equip and support the development of the diverse clergy, ministers and leaders to serve and empower that work. It is an immense privilege to be invited to lead this work, back in the region which I so deeply love.’
Admos Chimhowu, a trustee and a member of the appointment panel, said, ‘Jeremy is a person of prayer. His extensive experience leading in this TEI sector and the skills he brings are what Emmanuel needs to consolidate a great start and take it to its next stage of its development.’
The Ven Ruth Newton, the Archdeacon of Craven and another panel member said, ‘Jeremy brings a deep commitment to the North West and a clear vision for theological education rooted in that context. He combines hopefulness with realism and carries his leadership with humility. His enabling style of leadership is grounded in the experience of parish ministry.’
Bishop Philip North, the chair of trustees said, ‘Jeremy is a Christ-centred leader who has a strong track record for bringing the best out of his colleagues and will enjoy developing further the outstanding gifts of a strong staff team. We are convinced that he will be able to oversee a college that forms the kind of leaders the church in the region needs. We are delighted that he will be coming to join us to take Emmanuel on the next stage of its journey.
Jeremy is married to Jill who is the Bishop of Lancaster and they have two sons. He will begin work at Emmanuel Theological College on September 1st.
