I’m pleased to announce that the Board of Directors has approved the selection of Jocelyn Bell as the new editor and publisher of The United Church Observer. Currently the magazine’s managing editor, Jocelyn was selected from more than 80 candidates who responded to a public call for applications last summer.

She will replace David Wilson, who is retiring at the end of 2017 after more than 30 years with The Observer, the past 11 as editor and publisher.

Jocelyn brings proven professional skills and an intimate understanding of the United Church and its values to the job. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ont., and a Bachelor of Journalism degree from Toronto’s Ryerson University, and has experience in the newsrooms of several major daily newspapers including the Toronto Star and Hamilton Spectator. Before joining The Observer, Jocelyn was editor of Childview magazine.

She is ideally positioned to lead The Observer through the next chapter of its long history.