We are now in a ‘political crisis’. I have resisted the temptation to label the Brexit debate ‘a crisis’, for often the media describe any moment of political challenge ‘a crisis’. Yet, when the sovereign is possibly being drawn into political debate, and the use of constitutional mechanisms are being contested, the term ‘crisis’ has become an appropriate description.
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Last month I wrote in this space on the theme of saying goodbye, and I am pleased to be able to balance that with something about saying hello! As I said in July, the life of the church has a continuity that does not depend on particular individuals – but it is also the case that every one of us can have a significant impact on the overall ministry and mission of the Cathedral.
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The Cathedral has appointed Richard Abraham to the post of Chapter Clerk and Chief Operating Officer. He will begin on Monday 2nd September. Richard comes to us with a wealth of expertise and experience, most recently having worked for the Diocese in Europe as a Business Improvement Consultant. The Dean said, ‘I am delighted that Richard is joining the Cathedral team, bringing just the skills and background we need at this point in our history. There are not too many people with both an impressive record of building successful organisations, and a deep knowledge of Anglicanism, but Richard is one of them.’
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The Bishop has announced that the Reverend Kathryn Percival has been appointed as Canon Chancellor and Vice Dean. Kathryn, a former barrister, is currently Vicar of Lingfield and Dormansland, and Area Dean of Tandridge. She says, ‘I am delighted to be called to join the Cathedral community, and look forward very much to working with the Dean and Chapter in enabling the Cathedral to grow and flourish as an embodiment of the grace and generosity of Christ for the parish, the City, and the Diocese.’ The Dean says, ‘Kathryn is an outstanding priest who will be a huge asset to the ministry and mission of Cathedral. I am delighted at the prospect of all she will bring to the life of the Cathedral, not least in leading its work in learning and teaching, and in congregational discipleship and growth.’
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There are only a few days left to have a final look at the imposing ‘Soup of Souls’ artwork by Pete Codling in the Nave. These images have drawn in a number of people and have influenced the atmosphere and the impact that the Cathedral has had for many visitors and worshippers as they arrive, through the changing liturgical seasons they have been with us for over the past six months. The Nave will feel very different at first once they go.
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It may seem paradoxical to claim that beauty is one of the most neglected features of our age because we are surrounded by so many images, both on paper and in electronic form that tell us what is fashionable and what it is for something to look ‘right’. Yet most of this presentation in the media has no depth, meaning or purpose to it: most of the images reflect trends that our society could reverse overnight if they were regarded as no longer cutting edge. Most of the images, if not actually harmful in promoting a certain view of the human body, are nearly always presented to sell products and make money: they do not point beyond themselves to a deeper truth and goodness.
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I once said hello to Bill Nighy on Jermyn Street. I recognised his face, but realised too late that I didn’t actually know him. To his credit he smiled back and said hello. This must happen to him all the time. With the radio there is a little more anonymity, but some voices are immediately recognisable, such as Moira Stewart, Linda Snell from The Archer’s, or our own Angela Tilby leading the daily service.
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