The Very Rev Susan Macdonald has announced that she is stepping down as Dean of Edinburgh. In speaking to the Diocese of Edinburgh Synod last week Susan said “Over the past 18 months I have been experiencing increasingly persistent balance problems with a number of associated issues, significantly among those being much reduced energy levels. I have undergone, and continue to undergo various medical investigations, but it has become clear that it is now time to take heed of strong medical advice to reduce my working hours.
“My time as Dean of the Diocese of Edinburgh has been a hugely rewarding and inspiring time. Of course not without its frustrations and challenges, but they were only a small part of it, for throughout it has been a great privilege to have been appointed by Bishop John to be his first Dean, and to serve alongside him throughout this time.”
The Rt Rev Dr John Armes, Bishop of Edinburgh says “Susan Macdonald has been a brilliant Dean. She has been a vast source of wisdom and encouragement to me over nearly five years and I know many clergy and congregations will echo this tribute. I have been enormously fortunate to have as a close colleague someone who knows the diocese so well and who offers such a wealth of experience. I know that this has not been an easy decision for Susan to make but I am sure she is right to follow the advice of her doctors. We hold her very much in our prayers at the moment and wish her well for her continuing and flourishing ministry at Christ Church, Morningside.’
