SIX new honorary Canons have been appointed at Worcester Cathedral in recognition of their work in both the Diocese and the wider Church.

Appointments are made by the Bishop of Worcester in consultation with the Chapter of the Cathedral.

Honorary Canons included Doug Chaplin, mission development officer and director of reader training for the Diocese of Worcester, Clare Griffiths, chaplain to St Richard’s Hospice and Wyn Beynon, priest in charge of the Wychebook parishes and rural dean of Droitwich.

Also appointed were Hazel Charlton, vicar of St Peter’s Church, Lapal in Halesowen and Dean of Women’s Ministry, David Hoskin, rector of the Brierley Hill team and rural dean of Kingswinford and Abbot Thomas OSB from Mucknell Abbey.

Honorary Canons form a bridge between the diocese and the Cathedral and meet to reflect and advise on the life of the Cathedral.

There are a limited number of posts – Lay Canons and clergy outside the diocese hold the position for a five-year period, while clergy from the diocese remain Canons while they serve in Worcestershire or Dudley.

Bishop John said: “It is a great delight to be able to appoint these three people who have given and continue to give outstanding service to the church in the Diocese of Worcester.

"They will be great ambassadors for the cathedral in the diocese and vice versa.”

The Revd Doug Chaplin said: “It was a real surprise to find Bishop John’s invitation on the mat when I returned from a period of study leave.

"This year will mark the 15th year since I took on the voluntary role of Director of Reader Training.

"I don’t know for sure what was in the Bishop’s mind when he decided to offer me this honour, but I see it an affirmation of that work, and the importance of supporting and equipping our lay ministers.”

The Revd Clare Griffiths said: “It was a great honour and an immense surprise to receive an invitation letter from Bishop John. In fact, I checked it many times to ensure that it actually had my name on it!

"This is not just a personal recognition, but one for St Richard’s Hospice where I work as lead chaplain and for all clergy who are licensed to serve in chaplaincy positions, rather than in the more easily understood parochial roles. I look forward to creating further links with the Cathedral.”

Abbot Thomas said: “The Community at Mucknell Abbey enjoys a warm relationship with the Cathedral, both in relation to Worcester’s past centuries as a Benedictine cathedral priory and in the links of friendship and mutual assistance today.

"I am honoured and delighted to become an Honorary Canon and look forward to supporting the life and ministry of the cathedral community, through prayer and the contribution of a monastic perspective.”

Honorary Canons are distinct from Residentiary Canons who are on the staff of the Cathedral.

The service took place on Wednesday, January 30.