Jane Steen


Jane Elizabeth Steen is a British Church of England priest. Since 2013, she has been the Archdeacon of Southwark. This makes her one of the most senior priests in the Diocese of Southwark. Previously, from 2005 to 2013, she served as Canon Chancellor of Southwark Cathedral, and also as Director of Ministerial Education and Canon Theologian for the Diocese of Southwark.

Early life and education

Steen was born in 1964. From 1983 to 1987, she studied English Literature at Newnham College, Cambridge. She graduated from the University of Cambridge with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1988; as per tradition, her BA was promoted to a Master of Arts degree in 1990. She then spent a year working with elderly and disabled people in East Barnet, London.
In 1988, Steen returned to Newnham College, Cambridge to undertake postgraduate research in English. She completed her Doctor of Philosophy degree in 1992. Her doctoral thesis was titled "Samuel Johnson and aspects of Anglicanism". She then spent a year bookselling and teaching undergraduates.
In 1993, Steen entered Westcott House, Cambridge, an Anglican theological college in the Liberal Catholic tradition. From 1993 to 1995, she also studied Theological and Religious Studies at Trinity College, Cambridge, graduating with a further BA degree in 1995. She then underwent a year of training at Westcott house in preparation for ordination and completed a Certificate in Theology for Ministry.

Ordained ministry

Steen was ordained in the Church of England as a deacon in 1996 and as a priest in 1997. From 1996 to 1999, she served her curacy at St John the Baptist Church, Chipping Barnet in the Diocese of St Albans. From 1999 to 2005, she was bishop's chaplain to Tom Butler, the then Bishop of Southwark. In 2005, she was appointed Canon Chancellor of Southwark Cathedral, and Director of Ministry and Training and Canon Theologian for the Diocese of Southwark.
In December 2012, it was announced that Steen would be the next Archdeacon of Southwark, in succession to Michael Ipgrave. On 14 April 2013, she was installed as Archdeacon in Southwark Cathedral.