Canon makes history

Canon Sarah Brown at Peterborough Cathedral has become the first woman to be appointed as the Dean of Hereford in the diocese’s 1,300 year history.

Downing Street announced her appointment and she will take up her new role in the autumn.

A farewell service will be held at Peterborough Cathedral on a Sunday in September, with details announced nearer the time.

As Dean, Sarah will be the chief member of the clergy at the cathedral and chair of the cchapter, its governing body.

She will have overall responsibility for the cathedral’s life, mission and ministry, and represents the Cathedral in the city and county, holding responsibilities in the wider Diocese.

Sarah has been Canon Missioner at Peterborough Cathedral since January 2018, the cathedral’s 900th anniversary year. Since then she has been immersed in the cathedral’s ministry to its congregation and also to the city

more widely. In particular she has worked closely with organisations such as Near Neighbours, Light Project Peterborough and Churches Together in Central Peterborough.

Canon Sarah said: “I will miss everyone at Peterborough very much but I look forward to getting to know the people and places of Herefordshire and South Shropshire and joining in with what God is already doing in that part of the world.”

The Very Revd Chris Dalliston, Dean of Peterborough, added: ““We are sad to see her go but enormously grateful for all she has given.’’

Sarah Bown