THE vicar at a historic Shoreham church is hoping to encourage more women to follow in her footsteps.

Canon Ann Waizeneker has been confirmed into a new role as the Diocese of Chichester’s new Dean of Women’s Ministry by the Bishop of Chichester, Dr Martin Warner.

Rev Waizeneker, widely praised for her role in bringing comfort to the community in the wake of the Shoreham Airshow disaster, said wanting more women in the church would not come “at the expense of men” and that the Church of England was already helping women to reach the very highest levels of seniority.

She succeeds Canon Julia Peaty, Rural Dean of East Grinstead, who stepped down from the role earlier this year after five years in post.

Rev Waizeneker was ordained in 2008 and moved to Shoreham in 2012 where she is currently vicar of the 900-year-old St Mary de Haura in Church Street, and the Church of the Good Shepherd on Shoreham Beach.

Before joining the church, she was an assistant governor in the prison service, becoming the first woman to work at governor grade at both Winchester and Wandsworth prisons.

Her new post will be in addition to her duties in Shoreham and is a part-time role.

She said: “The role will be to ensure that women who are considering being ordained as priests are being encouraged and well-supported.

“Women priests have only been part of the Church of England for a very short time – it is only on the past 20 years.

“The role will be talking to women to find out about what they find difficult in taking up the role.

“It does have long hours and it is six day a week.

“I will be looking at where there may be flexibility and where we might help them to achieve their vocation.

“This is not at the expense of men, it is about finding the right people for the right job.

“Whether it is male or female, we just want to make sure that everybody is considered

“We are already seeing women taking up senior roles in the church.

“We have women bishops; that is already happening.”

Dr Warner said: “Ann brings a rich experience to this important post within our diocese both as a priest in the Church of England and also in her career before ordination.

“She will make sure that the particular issues relating to women in ministry right across the diocese will be articulated and dealt with efficiently and effectively as we work together for the renewal of ministry for mission.”