From the Bishop

“We begin this process of appointing the next Dean from a strong starting place. Under the leadership of the previous Dean (Stephen Lake) the Cathedral has become a place of welcome and hospitality and good relationship. Project Pilgrim, in conjunction with all the work around visitor welcome and  ‘entry by donation’, has been very successful; and through the pandemic I do believe that the Cathedral has been a Beacon of Hope.  

Whilst I do not discern the need for radical change in the Cathedral, I do want someone who will take time to look and listen with fresh eyes and ears, and to be both curious and prophetic, living relationship well, as they seek to encourage and challenge within the Church’s call to witness to God’s love and to work for the coming of God’s kingdom.  

There is a new season to be shaped and lived within the Cathedral and wider Diocese, and my desire is for the Cathedral to refocus and deepen its identity as being a place of prayer and worship, rooted in its Benedictine heritage, and enabling visitors of all ages to explore becoming pilgrims.  

The relationship between Dean, Diocesan Bishop and Suffragan Bishop has been strong, and as well as the Archdeacon of Gloucester and the Director of Mission and Ministry being Cathedral Canons with time dedicated to Cathedral ministry, a number of lay members of the Bishop’s Staff Team and Church House staff are honorary canons. This enables strong relationships and good networking, and I would expect the next Dean to be a key player in the Bishop’s Staff Team and synodical governance. 

I look forward to the adventure ahead, and if you sense a call from God to this place at this time, I would encourage you to explore further by applying for this role.” 

The Right Reverend Rachel Treweek, Bishop of Gloucester