Dean of York to help lead cathedral review

The Very Reverend Vivienne Faull will be vice chair of the Cathedrals Working Group, which has been set up by the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, and the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Justin Welby.

Areas to be examined by the group include training and development for cathedral deans and chapters, financial management issues, the procedure for visitations, safeguarding matters, buildings and heritage, and the role of cathedrals in contributing to evangelism within their dioceses.

It has been reported that the review comes as many cathedrals, including Peterborough, are facing deepening financial difficulties.

The review has been ordered at the request of the Bishop of Peterborough, who asked for it to look at whether the current ‘Cathedrals Measure’ is adequate.

It will look at financial management, major buildings projects, safeguarding, accountability, oversight and scrutiny, along with the training and development needs for Deans and Chapters.

A joint statement issued by the Dean and The Bishop of Stepney, Adrian Newman, who will chair the group, said cathedrals ‘contributed uniquely to the ecology of the Church of England and we are a healthier, stronger church when they flourish.’

They said they were pleased to have the opportunity to review the structures that supported their ministry.

“Cathedrals are one of the success stories of the Church of England, with rising numbers of worshippers,” they said. “They are a vital part of our heritage and make an incalculable contribution to the life of the communities that they serve.

“This is an exciting opportunity for the working group to look at the different aspects of how cathedrals work, and to ensure that the legislation and procedures they use are fit for purpose for their mission in the 21st century.”

The group, whose members include former Home Secretary Jack Straw, will report back initially to the Archbishops’ Council, Church Commissioners and House of Bishops in December.