On Sunday 26 November 2023 the Revd Nicky Chater (Chaplain to the Gypsy, Roma, Traveller community), the Revd Dr Emma Parker (Deputy Warden of Cranmer Hall) and the Revd Gavin Wort (Lead Chaplain, Durham University) were installed as non-residentiary canons. Dr Jocelyn Bryan (Sub-warden of Readers), Mrs Frances Stenlake (Chair of the House of Laity) and Mr Nigel Wyrley-Birch (Chair of the Diocesan Board of Education) were installed as Lay Canons.
A further seven people were installed on Sunday 14 January 2024, including three new Ecumenical Canons: Prof. David Wilkinson (former Principal of St John’s College), Prof Paul Murray (Director of the Centre for Catholic Studies, Durham University) and Dr Mark Bonnington (Senior Pastor, King’s Church, Durham). James Morgan (Diocesan Secretary) and Prof. Mike Higton (Professor of Theology and Ministry, Durham University) were installed as Lay Canons, and the Revd Mark Miller (Stockton Parish Church) and the Revd Matt Tarling (St Paul’s Spennymoor and Whitworth) were installed as non-residentiary canons.
Nicky Chater, Chaplain to the Gypsy, Roma, Traveller community says,
“I was delighted as Chaplain for Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller peoples in Durham Diocese to be invited to become an honorary Canon of Durham Cathedral. I feel that by making this invitation, the communities I seek to serve are also honoured.”
Professor Paul Murray, Director of the Centre for Catholic Studies says,
‘It was with very great surprise and immense joy that I received the invitation inviting me to become one of the new Ecumenical Canons for Durham Cathedral, and I was delighted to accept. The Cathedral occupies a treasured place in my life and affections, and I am deeply moved and profoundly appreciative of this honour.’
Both services were conducted by the Rt Revd Paul Butler, the Bishop of Durham and The Very Revd Dr Philip Plyming, Dean of Durham.
Philip says,
“I was delighted to install all thirteen new canons at Durham Cathedral. With their diverse knowledge and expertise they represent a huge gift to the cathedral and the Diocese of Durham. I look forward to working with them in the years ahead.”
All thirteen Canons were formally admitted to their stalls in the cathedral, in recognition of their exceptional service and contribution to the Church and their communities. The College of Canons meets to worship together, to receive reports from the Dean and Chapter and to think together about the ways in which the Cathedral can contribute to the wider mission of God in the Diocese and region.
