I am very pleased to announce the appointment of the Very Revd Graham Taylor as Dean of St Andrews, Dunkeld and Dunblane, in succession to the Very Revd Kenny Rathband, who retired on 31st August 2021.

 

Graham continues to serve as Rector of St John the Baptist, Princes Street, Perth, where he has been since 2014, becoming a Canon of St Ninian’s Cathedral in 2019. Before coming to this Diocese, Graham served in several charges in the Diocese of Aberdeen and Orkney, where he was ordained in 2001.

 

The role of Dean is one of the most important in the life of any diocese. It includes support for the Bishop’s ministry; sharing in leadership of the Diocese with the Bishop and others; encouraging the clergy, lay ministers and vestries of the Diocese; and fulfilling the other duties specified in the Code of Canons.  Graham brings to this ministry his love of the Scottish Episcopal Church, his long experience of congregational ministry, his priority of pastoral care, and his warm sense of humour!

 

I am very glad that Graham accepted my invitation to become Dean, and I am looking forward very much to welcoming him as a colleague and adviser, and to helping him as he settles into this new ministry.

 

Graham will be Installed and welcomed, in the presence of many more people, at a full Diocesan service at the Cathedral before Advent. At that service other Canons, appointed during lockdown, will also be installed, and we will be able to thank Kenny Rathband as retiring Dean.

 

Please welcome Graham, and pray for him as he becomes Dean of St Andrews, Dunkeld and Dunblane.

 

Bishop Ian

1st September, 2021

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The Right Revd Ian Paton

Bishop of St Andrews, Dunkeld and Dunblane

Many in the Diocese and beyond have been giving their support and care to our Dean, the Very Revd Kenny Rathband and to Ruth in the months since Kenny had to step back from active ministry because of a serious health issue. They, and all of us, have had to come to terms with his early retirement from full-time ministry which Kenny’s doctors advised. As Kenny wrote to us about making this difficult decision: “This has not been an easy decision to make and follows on from my recent heart attack. I have greatly enjoyed working with both congregations, and the privilege of being Dean for a number of years. I continue to hold everyone in my prayers.” 

Kenny’s last day as Dean of the Diocese, and as Rector of Dunfermline and Priest at Rosyth, was on 31st August, and he retired from 1st September.

2 Bishops of St Andrews, Dunkeld and Dunblane, Bishop David and Bishop Ian, the clergy who have served, and each vestry and congregation, have so much to thank Kenny for in his 14 years as Dean of the Diocese. There will be a significant Diocesan service – before Advent, we hope – at which the Diocese will express its thanks to Kenny, and celebrate his 14 years service as Dean. Congregations and individuals may wish to contribute to the Diocese’s gift which will be presented to Kenny and Ruth as a sign of appreciation and love. Details of where to send contributions will be announced shortly. 

Please continue to hold Kenny and Ruth in your prayers as they prepare to move into a new chapter of life for them. And please pray for Holy Trinity and St Margaret’s as they begin to seek a new Rector and a new Priest-in-Charge.

 

Bishop Ian

Welcome to the Revd Jonathan Connell and his family as they join the Diocese. Jonathan will be Instituted as Rector of St Andrew, Callander and St Mary, Aberfoyle on Saturday 14 August. Please pray for Jonathan and his family, and for the two congregations, as they enter a new chapter.

Dear friends

Elizabeth has put together a special edition of our E News to celebrate 100 years since Mary Sumner died.  I hope you will take time to read the history she has put together to remind ourselves of the wonderful person she was and the amazing legacy she has left.

She considered herself an ordinary wife and mother but saw a need and with God’s help tried to find a way to  meet it; so pause for a minute to think what we could achieve if we followed her example.

With my best wishes and prayers

Sarah

Mary Sumner Special Edition E News

For further information please click the link below:

https://www.scotland.anglican.org/anglicans-in-brazil-send-greetings-to-scotland/