St Paul's Cathedral

Installation at St Paul's Cathedral 12th October 2023

I am delighted and truly honoured to have been appointed as a member of Chapter of St Paul’s Cathedral and as a Lay Canon. Whilst remaining a Methodist this appointment is in the true spirit of ecumenism. Indeed John Wesley worshipped at St Paul’s and there is a statue of him in the gardens. It happens that I am a trustee of the statue on behalf of the Methodist Church.
The appointment came about due to a recent change in ecclesiastical legislation which means that Cathedrals now need to be set up as standalone charities and the Chapter has become the formal Charity Trustee and governing body, needing more than 50% of the members to be non-clergy. I hope to bring my prior experience as a trustee to help me in shaping the new governance and strategic direction for St Paul’s Cathedral. There are exciting changes already planned including the first girl probationer choristers who have arrived and will grow to a full choir of girls’ voices in the next few years.  There are many events scheduled that consider the important questions of today - not least the fact that the Cathedral is in the heart of the financial and professional business City but is also a national icon and focus of many important commemorations. And don’t worry I have not forgotten the need to promote sustainability in the operations and purpose of the Cathedral’s work.
As a member of Chapter I am also a Lay Canon.  I will be taking part in services. I hope to welcome many existing and new attendees at the Cathedral and share my joy in the building, its people and its vision. 
With thanks to @Graham Lacdao for the photos.

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