Archdeacon's book heads best-seller list

The Venerable Jan McFarlane

Norfolk's first female archdeacon has ended a momentous year with her first book at the top of a Christmas best-sellers list.

The Ven Jan McFarlane made history in March when she was installed as Archdeacon of Norwich, where she is the diocesan director of communications.

Now she can add the title “successful author” to her list of achievements after her debut tome, Pocket Prayers for Advent and Christmas, was named by the Church Times as the number one festive seller in religious bookshops.

The book, published at the end of October, is a collection of prayers, old and new, taking the reader from Advent Sunday to Candelmas.

Ms McFarlane said: “I'm delighted that the book is selling well. It would indicate that we've achieved the aim of providing something which is both a pocket-sized resource for Christians, and a gift book for those on the edge of the church who, at Advent and Christmas, draw a little nearer.

“But I don't think I'll be able to retire on the proceeds just yet.”

Ms McFarlane succeeded the Ven Clifford Offer as archdeacon of Norwich after spending nine years as both communications officer for the diocese - a role she will continue - and chaplain to the Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Rev Graham James.

The book, which is published by Church House Publishing, retails at £5.99 and is aimed at people on the edges of the church, and those who find themselves drawn to the church at Christmas.

The book is available from the Cathedral Gift Shop, Norwich Christian Resource Centre and on-line from the Church House Bookshop in Westminster.

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