New honorary Canons installed for Worcestershire and Dudley

Five new honorary Canons have been installed at Worcester Cathedral in recognition of their work in both the Diocese of Worcester, which covers Dudley and Sandwell, and the wider Church. 

Appointments are made by the Bishop of Worcester, or Acting Bishop, in consultation with the Dean, with honorary Canons forming a bridge between the Diocese and the Cathedral and meeting to reflect and advise on the life of the Cathedral. 

There are a limited number of posts, with Lay Canons and clergy outside the Diocese holding the position for a five-year period, while clergy from the Diocese remain Canons while they serve in Worcestershire or Dudley.

The Honorary Canons installed in a service in the cathedral in March include Kath Davis, co-warden of Readers and Licensed Lay Minister in Pedmore and Wollescote, Tim Reid, Diocesan Director of Education, and Rev. Andy Todd, Diocesan Secretary.

Bishop Martin Gorick said: “I’m delighted that all these brilliant people have accepted the invitation to become honorary canons of the Cathedral. 

"They all give outstanding service to the church in different ways and will be excellent ambassadors for the cathedral in the wider church and vice versa.”

Kath Davis said: “I was truly amazed, delighted and excited to receive Bishop Martin’s invitation to become an Honorary Canon of Worcester Cathedral, the place where I was licensed as a Lay Minister in 2002. 

"So many special memories come to mind of occasions and people throughout the intervening years. 

"Now, some 23 years later, and as Co-Warden of Readers (Licensed Lay Ministers), I feel unworthy of the honour offered to me in this appointment. 

"It has always been and, continues to be, a great privilege to serve my Lord in all things and to be an ambassador for Licensed Lay Ministry in general, as well as for the wonderful family of LLMs who minister day by day and week by week across our Diocese.”

Tim Reid said: “It is an incredible and unexpected honour to have been invited by Bishop Martin to become an honorary Canon of Worcester Cathedral. 

"Worcester is my home city, and the Cathedral has had real significance throughout my life. 

"I performed there as a pupil of a local school, it was the venue for my university graduation and over the years I have attended many poignant services.  

"It will be a great privilege to serve as ambassador to our beautiful and historic Cathedral and in my role as Director of Education for the Diocese, I look forward to do doing all that I can to promote the wonderful work that happens there to our church schools, parishes and wider stakeholders.”

Andy Todd said: “The Cathedral has been an important part of my life and ministry ever since I arrived in the Diocese 10 years ago, as the focus of ordinations, Chrism services, school carol services, civic events, concerts, welcomes and farewells, and for Sunday and weekday services. 

"More recently, as part of the team leading weekday Eucharists, it has been a joy to be involved in other dimensions of the Cathedral’s daily life and ministry, too. 

"I am constantly impressed by just how many aspects of the life of this city and Diocese are touched by the witness, worship, and prayerful support of the Cathedral community, and it is a real privilege to be asked to join the College of Canons as an ambassador for its work.”

Honorary Canons are distinct from Residentiary Canons who are on the staff of the Cathedral.