York Minster Canon to become Bishop of Beverley (From York Press)

Canon Glyn Webster to become the new Bishop of Beverley

8:46am Thursday 30th August 2012 in News

ONE of the leading figures at York Minster is bidding farewell after 18 years of service, writes Amy Goodlad.

The Rev Canon Glyn Webster, 61, who is the Minster’s Canon Chancellor and acting Dean, is leaving in order to accept a new position as the Bishop of Beverley, it was announced yesterday.

Canon Webster trained for the ordained ministry in Durham and has held various positions at the Minster since 1994 and now succeeds the Right Rev Martyn Jarrett, who will retire as Bishop of Beverley on September 30.

Canon Webster said: “I am honoured and humbled to have been approached to take on this role as a Suffragan Bishop of Beverley at this very crucial time in the church.

“I am passionately committed to the unity of the whole life of the Church of England. It’s really important to our future life together if we are going to make any impact on this nation of ours with the gospel of Christ that we remain together.

“I hope to make my contribution in this new role and I look forward to serving with the Archbishop.”

The Archbishop of York , Dr John Santamu, welcomed the appointment. Dr Sentamu said: “Canon Webster brings a wealth of experience of work in the Cathedral, the Diocese of York, the Province of York as Prolocutor of the Convocation of York since 2000, and in the national church, where he has served on General Synod since 1995.

He is a member of the Crown Nominations Commission and serves on the Archbishops’ Council. He is also Chaplain to the Queen.

“This rich experience and his deep trust in God and love for all people, will help the people and clergy in the Province of York.

“We welcome The Rev Canon Glyn Webster most warmly to this new ministry.”

Canon Webster will be acting Dean of York Minster until York’s first female dean, the Very Rev Vivienne Faull, 57, takes up her new post on December 1.

Canon Webster’s new role as bishop is that of a Provincial Episcopal Visitor, or, as it is more colloquially known, a “flying bishop”. This will involve assisting in the pastoral care of members of the church who do not recognise ordained female priests over a wide area of the North of England. He will continue in his role as Chancellor until his consecration as Bishop of Beverley in January next year.