‘The Continuity Canon’: Gloucester Cathedral welcomes new Interim Dean

As part of a service in the Lady Chapel of Gloucester Cathedral, The Reverend Canon Dr Andrew Braddock was formally commissioned as Interim Dean of Gloucester on Wednesday 13 April 2022. In this new role, he will lead the Cathedral for the next twelve months, giving spiritual and strategic guidance as the Cathedral moves into a crucial new period of development inspired by the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

This follows The Very Reverend Stephen Lake’s move to become Bishop of Salisbury, after eleven years as Dean of Gloucester. During his time as Dean, the Cathedral underwent several transformative changes as part of Phase One of Project Pilgrim, including the installation of 150 solar panels on the Nave roof and the development of the car park into a welcoming green space for all. The Very Reverend Stephen Lake will be consecrated as Bishop of Salisbury on Monday 25 April at Southwark Cathedral.

Canon Andrew is a familiar face for many, having been Canon Missioner at Gloucester Cathedral for nearly a decade as well as Director of Mission and Ministry at the Diocese of Gloucester. Now, he will step into the role of Interim Dean full time, taking on all the responsibilities that would usually fall to the Dean.

Canon Andrew said:

“It is a great privilege to be asked by Bishop Rachel Treweek to take on the role of Interim Dean. I have been described as the ‘Continuity Canon’ because I have been part of the Cathedral community for over nine years and therefore carry some of the history of how we have grown and developed as a cathedral. There has also been a lot of change within the Cathedral clergy recently, so my stepping into the role as Interim Dean will help provide continuity, stability and leadership through this period.

A key part of the role is about ensuring the Cathedral remains outward looking, continuing to carry forward positively our relationships, partnerships and patterns of worship so that Cathedral life continues to flourish.”

As Interim Dean, Canon Andrew will play a fundamental part in ensuring the next decade gets off to the best possible start as the Cathedral seeks to be a beacon of hope for the city, county and diocese.

It is an exciting time for Gloucester Cathedral. A strategic vision for the next ten years involves several major projects, including ambitious plans to complete Phase Two of Project Pilgrim, refurbish the famous organ and secure the future of the world-class Cloister. The Cathedral is also currently seeking to appoint a new Canon Chancellor and Director of Learning and Participation, another crucial role in the senior leadership team.

ENDS

For more press information contact:

Ellie Fells

Marketing & Communications Manager

Ellie.fells@gloucestercathedral.org.uk

About Canon Dr Andrew Braddock

Andrew came to Gloucestershire in 2008 having previously been a parish priest in Norfolk where he was ordained in 1998.

He was made an honorary canon of Gloucester Cathedral in 2011. Andrew became residentiary Canon Missioner at the Cathedral in 2013, a role he has held alongside being Director of Mission and Ministry for the Diocese of Gloucester. Among his wider responsibilities, Andrew is a member of the Bishop of Gloucester’s senior staff team and a governor of Ripon College, Cuddesdon. He is a keen student of church history and has authored a growing number of publications exploring various aspects of Christian liturgy and worship.

Andrew is married to Victoria and they have two teenage children.