Published on: 16/06/2026
The Revd Dr Louise McInnes has been announced as the new Dean of Women’s Ministry in the Diocese of Sheffield. Louise, who is Vicar of the Cornerstone Benefice (encompassing St Mary’s Bolsterstone, St John’s Deepcar and The Christian Centre in Stocksbridge), will take over from Revd Canon Amanda Barraclough in July.
Louise’s role will be to encourage ordained female clergy in the Diocese and to help any women considering a possible future vocation of their own. Before entering ministry, Louise’s background was in music, beginning as an instrumental teacher, and later, on completing her PhD in historical musicology, lecturing in Higher Education. She studied at St Hild before beginning her curacy in Dinnington and Thurcroft and then in Whiston and Herringthorpe. Originally from Scotland, she has lived in Yorkshire for over 26 years. She is married to Andrew, and they have three grown-up children and six grandchildren.
The Revd Dr Louise McInnes said:
‘I am delighted to have been appointed as the next Dean of Women’s Ministry for the Diocese of Sheffield. Throughout my working and personal life, both before and after ordination, I have been passionate about equality, encouraging others to discover and develop their gifts, and enabling voices, of both men and women, to be heard. I look forward to supporting, encouraging, and advocating for women across the Diocese, helping to create an environment in which they can flourish in their vocation and ministry. I am deeply grateful for all that the Revd Canon Amanda Barraclough has contributed in this role and feel privileged to be building on her work as I begin this new chapter.’
The Bishop of Sheffield, the Rt Revd Dr Pete Wilcox, said:
‘I am delighted that the Revd Louise McInnes has accepted my invitation to be the next Dean of Woman’s Ministry, to follow the Revd Canon Amanda Barraclough when she steps down in July.
‘I know Louise will bring considerable wisdom and energy to the role, as well as skill and professionalism, and I look forward to working closely with her, on the Bishop’s Senior Staff Team and in other contexts. She can be assured of my prayers, especially as she prepares to take on the role.
‘There will be other occasions in the coming weeks to express our thanks more fully to Amanda, but I would like to record my gratitude here.’
Revd Canon Amanda Barraclough said:
‘It has been an amazing privilege to serve as Dean of Women’s Ministry for the last eight years. As I step aside from the role, I am delighted that Revd Dr Louise MacInnes has agreed to pick up the mantle. Her enthusiasm, wisdom and heart for others will be a blessing to the women serving in authorised ministry roles in the Diocese. I look forward to seeing how the role will be developed by her in the future, as she brings her own unique gifts to it. She has my full support and my heartfelt prayers.’
