An expert on Julian of Norwich, a director of mission and ministry, and a rector were installed as canons of Norwich Cathedral at Evensong on Tuesday.
Dr Claire Gilbert was installed as a lay canon of the cathedral. She is an authority on medical, environmental, finance and business ethics and spirituality in politics and public life. Her writing about Julian of Norwich includes the book I, Julian which reconstructs the life of the first woman to write a book in the English language.
She said she was honoured and delighted when asked to become a lay canon of Norwich Cathedral.
“I first visited when I was touring cathedrals in my gap year; my father said cathedrals are one of the reasons the country holds together. Norwich was and remains one of my favourites.”
Claire was the founding director of the Westminster Abbey Institute, which aims to nurture and revitalise moral and spiritual values in public life and service, and a lay canon of St Paul’s Cathedral where she co-founded St Paul’s Institute for ethics in finance and business.
Revd Richard Lamey, director of mission and ministry for the Diocese of Norwich, was installed as an honorary canon. He said: “I am relishing working with amazing people, getting out and about to see what is happening all across the diocese and helping us all to listen to what God is calling us to be as disciples and pilgrims,” adding, “It is a particularly happy and friendly Cathedral.”
Revd Martin Greenland, Rector of the Acle and Bure to Yare Benefice was also made an honorary canon.
Recognised for his diligence across a rural multi-parish benefice and deanery he said: “I’m grateful for the recognition of the grassroots ministry in parishes and deanery I share with many others: seeking to serve God and neighbour in our local communities”
The Bishop of Norwich said the two new honorary canons continue to make a significant contribution to the life of the diocese and Claire Gilbert brings an impressive range of experience as well as her deep interest in Mother Julian.
The Dean of Norwich said the two clergymen strengthen the cathedral’s links with ministry across the diocese adding: “Claire not only brings a rich appreciation of Julian of Norwich, but also extensive experience of the role cathedrals can play in education and shaping public debate.”
Read more here.