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In a practical demonstration of the Diocesan aspiration of “Clergy and Lay Together”, representatives of our three cathedrals have met for a day devoted to shared strategy and vision.
The Deans of Ripon, the Very Revd John Dobson, and Wakefield, the Very Revd Simon Cowling, and the Acting Dean, Canon Paul Maybury, and Dean Emeritus, the Very Revd Jerry Lepine of Bradford spent a day with the chairs of the three Cathedral Councils, Canon Judith Donovan, Canon Jane Evans, and Canon Derek Twine.
Taking inspiration from the tranquil and peaceful surroundings of the Diocesan Retreat House, Parceval Hall, the group considered the complex role of a cathedral and all the many ways in which having three cathedrals in one diocese highlights and enhances that role.
“All three of our cathedrals serve the whole diocese,” explained Jane Evans, chair of Wakefield Cathedral Council. “Each one has its own special identity and particular aspects of mission, but there is no doubt at all that together, we are more than the three separate parts.”
Cathedral ministry is complex: all three are the seat of the diocesan bishop, and all have long-held traditions of worship and prayer as well as high quality choral tradition. Each hosts civic services in its own location, and each is a destination for pilgrims and other visitors.
“We three Deans work together on a daily basis,” commented John Dobson. “But it is enriching also to work with our lay colleagues, who between them bring an array of professional and personal experience to their roles.”
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