The Cathedral has 24 Honorary Canons, who, together with 12 Lay Canons, the Dean and Residentiary Canons, the Archdeacons, and Suffragan Bishops make up the College of Canons. This body meets three times a year to worship together, to receive reports from the Dean and Chapter, and to think together about the ways in which the Cathedral can contribute to the wider mission of our Diocese.
Speaking about the appointments, the Very Revd Jane Hedges, Dean of Norwich said:
“The Chapter regards the College of Canons as critical friends and ambassadors for the Cathedral and we value their role very highly. We are delighted with the appointment of our four new Canons and believe they will bring a huge range of gifts and skills to the College.”
Bishop Graham said:
“It is a great delight to install Stella Green, Riaz Mubarak, Mark McCaghrey and Mark Dimond as Honorary Canons of Norwich Cathedral. Each has brought many qualities to our life together in the Diocese of Norwich, including through hospital chaplaincy, wisdom from the wider Anglican Communion, rural ministry, and one of our Minsters. They will be great ambassadors for the Cathedral in the Diocese and vice versa.”
About the Honorary Canons:
The Revd Stella Green
Revd Stella currently works as a Chaplain at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Kings Lynn and will also be Assistant Clergy at St Edmund’s Church in Taverham.
Revd Stella said: ‘I was surprised and delighted to be invited to become an Honorary Canon of Norwich Cathedral. Every role I have taken in the Church has taught me something, and I have been humbled and impressed by the people I have met and worked alongside in King’s Lynn. I am very much looking forward to being involved in the life of the Cathedral and in Taverham. ‘
The Revd Riaz Mubarak
In 2014, Revd Riaz moved from Pakistan with his family to take up the role of Priest-in-Charge of West Winch and the surrounding parishes.
Revd Riaz said: “Norwich Cathedral is our pride and a great Christian presence in Norwich and throughout the county. It is indeed a great honour for me to be part of the College of Canons. I am really grateful to Bishop Graham, the Dean and also to the Chapter for kindly considering me to be part of their team. A Canon, as I have learnt, is considered to be the Eye of the Cathedral so, it will be a great challenge for me and indeed, the entire College of Canons to be observers, to see things with a holistic approach, including the greater needs of the Cathedral not only as a place of worship but also for those who visit to see it’s splendid architecture and to discover the vast heritage within. May God grant us his wisdom and his presence through His Holy Spirit to be the channel of his blessings for the Cathedral and all.”
The Revd Mark McCaghrey
Revd Mark grew up in rural Norfolk before being ordained in Surrey in 1994. Before coming to lead the Mattishall and Tudd Valley Benefice in 2012, he was Vicar of St Andrew’s, Lowestoft for 15 years.
Speaking of his appointment, Revd Mark said: “I was overwhelmed to receive the honour of becoming part of the College of Canons, and am looking forward to discovering what God has in store as I become involved in the life of the Cathedral and Diocese in this new way. I am excited to join with the Dean, fellow Canons, and all who are part of the wider Cathedral community and to help its role at the heart of our Diocese. I will bring with me my experience of nearly 25 years in the Diocese both in urban and rural contexts and the communities in which it has been a privilege to serve. They will be in my thoughts as I start this new chapter.”
The Revd Dr Mark Dimond
Revd Mark has lived and worked in several countries including Japan, Sweden, Czechoslovakia, France, Russia and Hungary. He has also led Anglican churches in Berlin and Hamburg.
Revd Mark said: “What a privilege it is to become an Honorary Canon of Norwich Cathedral. I am excited to be part of the Cathedral’s team in helping to build links beyond the city, especially in the relationship between the Cathedral and King’s Lynn Minster where I am based in the west of the Diocese, as well as in forging connections with the other Minster in Great Yarmouth in the east of the Diocese. Norwich Cathedral was a pilgrim destination for me when I served in the Church in Wales. I was drawn to Norwich because of its connection with the mystic Julian of Norwich. King’s Lynn has its own famous spiritual daughter, Margery Kempe. Just as Julian and Margery knew each other, I hope that I can help reinforce links between the town of King’s Lynn and the city of Norwich.”
