THE BISHOP of Worcester appointed six new honorary canons at Worcester Cathedral in recognition of their work in both the diocese and the wider church.
Dr John Inge welcomed the new members who were appointed in consultation with the Chapter of the Cathedral.
Honorary canons form a bridge between the diocese and the Cathedral and meet to reflect and advise on the life of the Cathedral.
There are a limited number of posts, Lay Canons and clergy outside the diocese hold the position for a five-year period while clergy from the diocese remain canons while they serve in the diocese.
Among those installed as honorary canons were Jan Humphries, Lay Minister in Gornal and Sedgley and the Rev Sue Oliver, vicar of St Mark’s Church in Pensnett
Rev Alex Vaccaro, Associate Priest in the Kidderminster Ismere team, Rev Rob Hall, Rector of the Halas Team in Halesowen, were also appoined.
Rev David Nichol, Vicar of Holy Trinity and St James in Malvern and Rural Dean of Malvern and Rev Richard Thorniley, Rector of Church Lench with Rous Lench, Abbots Morton and Harvington and Rural Dean of Evesham completed the appointments.
Bishop John said: “It is a great delight to be able to appoint these three people who have given and continue to give outstanding service to the church in the Diocese of Worcester.
“They will be great ambassadors for the cathedral in the diocese and vice versa.”
Rev Nichol said: “I was surprised, greatly honoured and encouraged when Bishop John wrote and asked me to become an Honorary Canon of Worcester Cathedral.
“After ministering in the Diocese of Worcester for nearly twenty years, first in Powick, Guarlford and Madresfield with Newland and now at Holy Trinity Malvern and St James’ West Malvern, it is very encouraging for my ministry in these parishes and in the wider church as a Rural Dean.
“I consider it an honour to be more closely linked with the Cathedral, to be affirmed in my ministry in the local church and to be given an opportunity to be able to play a part in the wider ministry of the church.”
Rev Thorniley said: “It was 20 years ago that I was ordained Deacon in Worcester Cathedral so it is a place that I have felt a special connection.
“I have spent 16 years being Rector of Church Lench with Rous Lench and Abbots Morton and Harvington and more recently Rural Dean of Evesham.
“I am looking forward to the ministry and the opportunity to serve the Cathedral and Diocese in a new way.”
Honorary Canons are distinct from Residentiary Canons who are on the staff of the Cathedral.
