|TOP|The Board of Education of the Archbishops’ Council has announced that the Church of England has elected a new National Children’s Advisor.

Mary Hawes, who currently holds the position of Children’s Work Advisor for the Diocese of London, will commence her new role in September 2006.

Hawes will take over from Diana Murrie, who has decided to retire after a successful eleven years in the position.

The Church of England say, “The role of the National Children’s Adviser is key to sharing good practice on how local churches can develop their work to better engage, nurture and teach under-11s.

|AD|“The new appointment comes at an important time for the Church, with the imminent publication of ‘Mission-Shaped Children’, a sourcebook that identifies how churches can shape themselves around children by engaging with their needs and ideas.”

Having trained as a teacher previously, Hawes then went on to work as an editor for Scripture Union. Later she also filled the role as Education and Visits Officer for Rochester Cathedral.

Hawes also serves as a non-stipendiary priest at St Leonard’s Church, Streatham.

Giving her testimony, Hawes said, “Current government policy proclaims that Children Matter! I'm looking forward to the challenge of ensuring that children continue to matter in the Church's agenda too.”