The Rev Dr Jenny Holden has been accepted as one of the 2023 intake of Trinity Leadership Fellows at Trinity Wall Street, described as a diverse cohort of emerging leaders spanning various faith traditions and vocations.

Dr Holden, who recently took up a new position as Adviser for Christian Life with the Diocese of Aberdeen & Orkney, was one of just 23 successful candidates invited to join the prestigious international programme from 900 applications, embarking on a two-year journey of faith-inspired, values-driven, and community-oriented learning and mentorship.

She is the first person based in Scotland to be accepted to the Fellows Program, which was established to support individuals who are seeking to deepen the faith-inspired and values-driven mindsets and skills needed to effectively lead organisations and serve communities in contemporary society, while also building lifelong supporting peer and mentoring relationships.

Dr Holden said: “I’m revelling in the opportunity to be challenged by the programme, spending time with the international and diverse cohort, including continuing to discover our common interests from our initial Zoom meet-up. I’m looking forward to delving deeper into theoretical concepts, reflecting on practical experiences and learning from others whose faith informs their leadership as I continue to respond to God’s call in love on my life.”

The Rt Rev Dr John Armes, Acting Bishop of Aberdeen & Orkney, said: “I am delighted that Jenny Holden has been chosen to be a Trinity Leadership Fellow. It is an honour for her, of course, and one that the Scottish Episcopal Church should be proud of too. I am sure that this opportunity to study alongside other emerging leaders will greatly enrich Jenny’s long-term ministry.

“I know that Jenny is deeply committed to ministry in the Diocese of Aberdeen & Orkney, and I am confident that her learning as a Trinity Fellow will benefit the whole diocese through her role as our Adviser for Christian Life.”

Trinity Church Wall Street is an Episcopal parish of more than 1,600 members in New York City. Its website says of the Fellows Program: “This non-residential, fully funded program will prepare professional and community leaders who are people of faith, as well as ordained leaders across faith traditions with the mindsets and practical skills they need to energize and empower their congregations and communities in ways that heal divides and disrupt injustice, as compelled by the Spirit and the Gospel.”

The program includes convening for a week at Trinity Commons in New York City in September and lectures through the first year, and the second year focus is a personal project. Fellows will also be paired with mentors.

More information on the Leadership Fellows Scheme can be found here and the 2023 cohort can be found here.