Evensong at 3 pm on Sunday 28 April will be a special occasion attended by the new College of Canons of Liverpool Cathedral. Bishop John and Dean Sue will be collating and installing new ordained and lay canons and asking canons from the membership of the old College to reaffirm their commitment.
The terms ‘old’ and ‘new’ are relevant. Provisions under the new Cathedrals Measure 2021 required the Cathedral to redraft its Constitution and Statutes which formerly determined the membership and activity of the College of Canons. The membership and operation of the new College of Canons have been revised in line with the provisions of the new Measure and Liverpool Cathedral’s new Constitution and Statutes.
The primary purpose of the College of Canons is set out in the Appointment of Bishops Act 1533, and the new legislation has confirmed this function. However, under the 2021 Measure, a college of canons is no longer part of the governing framework of English cathedrals. The College will continue to affirm clergy and lay ministry in support of the Cathedral’s mission in the Diocese of Liverpool.
The service on 28 April will mark the inauguration of the new College of Canons of Liverpool Cathedral, serving as an opportunity for its membership to come together under the leadership of Dean Sue and seek to develop and promote the common interests of mission in this Diocese.