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Epping St. John's Church of England School was proud to be host to The Right Reverend Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani, the Bishop of Chelmsford, and the Reverend Lynne Cullens to announce Reverend Cullens' appointment as the next Bishop of Barking.

The visit was coordinated by Reverend Lee Batson of Epping St John's Church, a governor of the school, who commented: 

"We really value the parnership between Church and School in the Epping area and as such it's been a real privilege for us to welcome Lynne Cullens to be the new Bishop of Barking today in this school. It's a huge matter of pride for us."

The visitors took a tour of the school after speaking to Year 9 students in an RE lesson, answering questions about their faith and their roles.

The announcement of the appointment was made in the classroom at the same time the news was officially published by Downing Street.

Speaking of the visit, Head of School Michael Yerosimou said: 

"It's been a really wonderful occasion. The students have really benefitted from it and I think it's that kind of community involvement that's really important at Epping St. John's."

The Reverend Lynne Cullens will be the next Bishop of Barking, succeeding the Right Reverend Peter Hill, who retired earlier this year.

Lynne is currently Rector of Stockport and Brinnington in the Diocese of Chester, where she has served since July 2019. She is also a trustee and the Chair of the National Estate Churches Network.

Speaking about her appointment in a message to churches in the Barking Area, Lynne said:

”It has been the most delightful and humbling surprise to have been called to this role and to Chelmsford Diocese. I am very much looking forward to joining you and to meeting with, and learning from, people, communities and partners across the Barking area. It will be a privilege to serve God alongside you and to support Bishop Guli as she leads our continuing discernment of his will for our diocese and his Church”.

Welcoming Lynne’s appointment, The Right Reverend Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani, the Bishop of Chelmsford said:

“I am delighted that the Reverend Lynne Cullens will be joining us in Chelmsford Diocese as the next Bishop of Barking. Lynne will bring a wealth of experience from parish ministry, from her previous career as a charity chief executive and from the work she has done for the Church nationally, particularly in the area of housing and Estates evangelism. Her passion for social justice and serving local communities has been a hallmark of her ministry and will serve her well as she ministers alongside our outstanding team of clergy and lay leaders in the Barking Area. I know others will join me in warmly welcoming Lynne to our diocese. Please join me too in praying for her as she takes this next step in her ministry.”