The Venerable Michael Everitt will be saying farewell to Durham Cathedral this week as he takes up his new role as Interim Dean at Carlisle Cathedral later this summer.
Michael joined Durham Cathedral in September 2019 as Canon Pastor, caring for the worshipping congregation of the cathedral and overseeing the work of the cathedral’s education and library & collections teams, as well as heading up the cathedral’s student ministry with both higher education and further education institutions.
Michael also focused on pastoral care, and was a member of Chapter with responsibility for victims and survivors of abuse. Michael made sure voices of victims were heard, listened to their experiences and helped us improve how we shape and support victims in the future. Michael has been a key member of the cathedral's Strategic Safeguarding Committee, who undertake the effective scrutiny and management of Safeguarding across the cathedral.
In early August, Michael will take up the role of Interim Dean of Carlisle, following the resignation of Very Revd Jonathan Brewster. He has been asked to take on this role by Bishop Rob Saner-Haigh, the Acting Bishop of Carlisle.
Michael and his wife Ruth, will be making the move to Carlisle Cathedral, a place close to their hearts, as they got married there in 1992.
Quote from Michael Everitt, Canon Pastor at Durham Cathedral, soon to be Interim Dean at Carlisle Cathedral
Ruth and I have delighted in being part of the community of Durham Cathedral over the last six years. All here will remain central to our prayers. Carlisle Cathedral is where we were married thirty three years ago and it is a privilege to be asked to serve God and the people there”.
Michael Everitt
Canon Pastor at Durham Cathedral, soon to be Interim Dean at Carlisle Cathedral
Alongside his role as Canon Pastor, Michael was involved in the regular day-to-day services and special services. He also built up a following for his own personal newsletter, where he shared stories, personal anecdotes and his weekly thoughts and reflections.
Before his post at Durham, Michael was a priest in the Diocese of Blackburn, serving as Archdeacon of Lancaster and an Honorary Canon of Blackburn Cathedral. A graduate of Kings College London, Michael trained for ministry at Queen’s College, Birmingham and the English College in Rome. He then served as a curate in Cleveleys, near Blackpool, ahead of a three year secondment to Bloemfontein Cathedral, working in cross-community areas in post-apartheid South Africa. At this time, he was the first non-Dutch reformed lecturer in theology at the University of the Orange Free State.
The Very Revd Dr Philip Plyming, Dean of Durham says,
"On behalf of us all at Durham Cathedral I want to congratulate Michael on this appointment to a place which I know holds a special affection in his heart. Michael will be much missed by many in our Cathedral community and beyond and I want to record my thanks to him for his ministry among us and the wise and faithful way he has offered support, leadership and counsel to so many."
There will be a farewell Evensong on Sunday 21 September at 3.30pm. All are welcome.
