Michael deputises for the Dean of Durham as Vice-Dean.
As a member of Chapter, he shares in the governance of Durham Cathedral as a trustee.
As Precentor, Michael is responsible to the Chapter for the liturgy and music of the cathedral, its regular worship and special services.
Latest writings from Michael
Sermon for The Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity - Michael Hampel
Sunday 5 October 2025 Sermons
2 Timothy 1: 1-14 Luke 17: 5-10
Read SermonSermon for the Twelfth Sunday after Trinity - Michael Hampel
Sunday 7 September 2025 Sermons
Philemon Luke 14: 25-33
Read SermonThe Anniversary of the Foundation of the Cathedral, 1093
Sunday 10 August 2025 Sermons
Hebrews 12: 18-28 Matthew 21: 12-16
Read SermonSermon on the The Sixth Sunday of Easter - Michael Hampel
Sunday 25 May 2025 Sermons
Acts 16: 9-15 John 14: 23-29
Read SermonBackground:
Michael was educated in Stratford-upon-Avon, Durham University and Westcott House, Cambridge.
He was ordained as Curate of Spennymoor in the Diocese of Durham in 1993 and served there for 4 years. He was then appointed Minor Canon, Precentor and Sacrist of Durham Cathedral from 1997 until 2002.
He became Senior Tutor of St Chad’s College in Durham University until 2004.
Michael left Durham in the autumn of that year to become Residentiary Canon and Precentor of St Edmundsbury Cathedral in Bury St Edmunds for 7 years until he was appointed Precentor of St Paul’s Cathedral, a post which he held until he returned to Durham in 2018 as Vice-Dean and Precentor.
