The Bishop of Lichfield has announced that seven priests will be given historic honorary roles at Lichfield Cathedral.
The appointments will take up Prebendal Seats, a position which dates back to the 9th Century.
The positions came about when cathedrals were ensuring that sufficient clergy were available to lead the daily routine of worship.
Most cathedral and collegiate church prebends were abolished by Henry VIII along with the monasteries and just a handful remain, including Exeter, Hereford, Lincoln and St Paul’s Cathedrals.
Among the new Prebendaries is the Vicar of Alrewas with Fradley and of Wychnor, the Revd John Allan.
The 52-year-old said:
“As an American citizen who has resided in England for the past 25 years, I feel completely surprised, but also truly delighted, to receive such an historic honour. Lichfield Diocese is incredibly special to me – my ordination into the Anglican Diaconate took place in Lichfield Cathedral nearly 20 years ago, and all of my ordained ministry in the Church of England has been in this Diocese, where I have felt deeply privileged to serve wonderful congregations and to work alongside dedicated clergy and lay leaders in deanery and diocesan roles.
“I look forward to offering what I can to support the ministry and mission of our excellent Cathedral community.”
Among the roles carried out by the Prebendary is participating in any vote for a new Diocesan Bishop when a vacancy arises, as well as having a say in the governance of the cathedral.
Others appointed are the Revd Richard Grigson, the Revd Rob Haarhoff, the Revd Alan Jones, The Revd Ian Murray, the Revd Mark Thomas and the Revd Dr Jane Tillier
The Bishop of Lichfield, the Rt Revd Jonathan Gledhill, said:
“It is good to be able to honour a group of clergy who have contributed so much to the diocese.”
Six of the new appointments will be installed in their seats during a service in the Cathedral at 5.30pm on February 26, the seventh will be installed on March 5.
