New Canon Chancellor appointed at Lincoln Cathedral

Reverend Dr Paul Overend has been appointed to the position of residency Canon Chancellor at Lincoln Cathedral.

The Bishop of Lincoln announced the selection on Sunday, November 20.

In the revised full-time post of Chancellor, Paul will lead the cathedral’s work of public theology and Christian education.

Paul has many years’ experience of working in education. He served as an ecumenical university chaplain while studying for a doctorate in philosophical theology.

Lincoln Cathedral. Photo: The Lincolnite

He later taught philosophy and ethics at Cardiff University and at Liverpool Hope University.

He has served as principal of the Ordained Local Ministry and Reader training scheme in Salisbury, and as a staff member at the Southern Theological and Education Training Scheme, also in Salisbury.

He presently works as Lay Development Officer and Assistant Diocesan Director of Ordinands in the Diocese of Norwich, and is a tutor in spirituality and ethics with the Eastern Region Ministry Course.

Paul has experience in four cathedrals: in Ripon and Sheffield as a singer before ordination, in Salisbury, and in Norwich, where he is currently an honorary priest vicar. He also lived in a religious community alongside the Anglican Franciscans at Hilfield, before meeting his wife, Sue.

Paul said: “I’m delighted to be invited to Lincoln for this appointment. The role of learning in a cathedral has a public role beyond its congregations and visitors.

“Cathedrals can offer a public space for conversations and reflection on the nature of society and community in their city and county.

“It’s an immense privilege to be joining the dedicated staff and volunteers, and I hope to help develop the cathedral’s partnerships with academic and civic institutions, with voluntary organisations, and with ecumenical partners and other faith traditions.”

The Dean of Lincoln, the Very Revd Christine Wilson said: “We have been very fortunate to attract to the post a priest of the experience, skill and calibre of Paul Overend.

“Lincoln Cathedral is a place of welcome for all, and a significant role for the Chancellor is to allow all who come to Lincoln, be that as a guest, visitor, pilgrim or worshipper, to encounter God in a way which is most meaningful to them.

“There is also the task of taking the message of the Gospel into the public square, and helping people who are not involved with the church to make connections and relate that message to issues in everyday life.

“Paul brings a passion and great experience of this important work, and we look forward very much to his ministry in Lincoln.”

Paul and Sue, with their Jack Russell Terrier Millie, will move to Lincoln at the end of January and Paul will take up the role in early February.