FIVE new honorary canons have been installed at Worcester Cathedral in recognition of their work in both the diocese and the wider church.
Appointments are made by the bishop of Worcester in consultation with the dean.
Honorary canons form a bridge between the diocese and the cathedral and meet to reflect and advise on the life of the cathedral.
The honorary canons installed in a service in the cathedral recently were Kath Davis, co-warden of readers and licensed lay minister in Pedmore and Wollescote, the Revd Novette Headley, chair of the Birmingham Methodist District, the Revd Julie James, rector of Berrow and Pendock, Eldersfield, Hollybush and Birtsmorton and curate in charge of Longdon, Castlemorton, Bushley, Queenhill and Holdfast, Tim Reid, diocesan director of education and the Revd Andy Todd, diocesan secretary.
Bishop Martin Gorrick said: “I’m delighted that all these brilliant people have accepted the invitation to become honorary canons of the cathedral. They all give outstanding service to the church in different ways and will be excellent ambassadors for the cathedral in the wider church and vice versa.”
Kath Davis continued: “I was truly amazed, delighted and excited to receive Bishop Martin’s invitation to become an honorary canon of Worcester Cathedral, the place where I was licensed as a lay minister in 2002. So many special memories come to mind of occasions and people throughout the intervening years.
“Now, some 23 years later, and as co-warden of readers I feel unworthy of the honour offered to me in this appointment. It has always been and, continues to be, a great privilege to serve my Lord in all things and to be an ambassador for licensed lay ministry in general, as well as for the wonderful family of LLMs who minister day by day and week by week across our diocese.”
Andy Todd added: “The cathedral has been an important part of my life and ministry ever since I arrived in the diocese 10 years ago, as the focus of ordinations, Chrism services, school carol services, civic events, concerts, welcomes and farewells, and for Sunday and weekday services.
“More recently, as part of the team leading weekday Eucharists, it has been a joy to be involved in other dimensions of the cathedral’s daily life and ministry, too. I am constantly impressed by just how many aspects of the life of this city and diocese are touched by the witness, worship, and prayerful support of the cathedral community, and it is a real privilege to be asked to join the college of canons as an ambassador for its work.”
