From Bishop SophieThe new dean will have the opportunity to build on the legacy of Dean John, who has done much to advance the work of reconciliation during his tenure and sought to address the financial challenges which were in a very different place when he arrived. He leaves the cathedral with a sense of real hope for the future and a good understanding of the challenges that lie ahead. I look forward to welcoming the person of God’s choosing and working closely with you in the coming years. It is my sense that we need a dean who will embrace the magnificent story of the past, be confident and experienced to shape and lead the staff team and community into the future with joy, and navigate the years ahead with wisdom and care and clarity. Please be assured of my prayers and please pray for us, that as we walk forward together, all might be reconciled to God through our witness to his love in this needy world.
Shortlisting will take place w/c 4 May 2026
Interviews will take place 2 & 3 June 2026 This is a moment of significance in the life of Coventry Cathedral, the Diocese of Coventry, and the wider city. Following the retirement of the previous Dean, we are seeking a visionary, prayerful, and courageous leader who will help shape the next chapter of our ministry of reconciliation, worship, and public witness.The Cathedral is currently undertaking a major fundraising campaign, Building Hope, which aims to raise up to £5 million over the next five years. This will support the work required for the Ruins as identified in the Quinquennial Inspection, turning the Ruins into an outstanding visitor and spiritual experience. It will also enable resources for the Community of the Cross of Nails and ICONS, and subsidise our Arts and Reconciliation programmes, thereby contributing to the financial stability of the Cathedral.Community of the Cross of Nails founded in 1974, CCN is a worldwide network of some 280 churches, charities, chaplaincies, peace-building and retreat centres, schools and other educational and training organisations, all inspired by the Coventry story and active in reconciliation in their own ways. The CCN Partners are joined by a common commitment to three guiding principles: Healing the wounds of history, Learning to live with difference and celebrate diversity, and Building a culture of justice and peace. In addition there are CCN Friends, less active, more historic partners.
To lead the life and work of the Cathedral Church of Coventry and to share with the Diocesan Bishop and other senior Colleagues in the oversight of the Diocese of Coventry. Priorities of the Role To inspire and grow our Cathedral as a worshipping, welcoming, caring and missional community, building on its vocation to be a place of reconciliation. Support and encourage the Cathedral community to grow and develop the worship and ministry of the Cathedral with courage and confidence. Working with the Chapter, and senior colleagues to lead a team fit for the next season in the life of the Cathedral and the Diocese. To review, with the Chapter, the Cathedral’s responsibilities to and relationships with the Community of the Cross of Nails, ensuring the continued strength of our national and international partnerships. To lead the Cathedral in engaging with civic, faith and community leaders in promoting Coventry and the surrounding area as a place of welcome, peace and reconciliation.
Someone who is:An experienced, strategic and visionary leader, confident to lead the Cathedral to set a compelling vision for its sustainable future whilst trusting in the abundant generosity of God and working collegiately with others. A prayerful, spiritually-mature and robust disciple of Christ committed to peace and reconciliation, and able to re-imagine compellingly the threads of each in every context. A fellow traveller on the journey, able to share the grace of God with theological depth in a variety of different contexts.A wise and financially astute steward, enthusiastic and able to inspire others about the mission of Coventry Cathedral through sharing its story, building enduring relationships of trust and engagement with a wide variety of individuals and communities. An emotionally intelligent networker, who enjoys people, laughs easily and has the skills to hold a diverse portfolio of relationships across the Cathedral, City, and Diocese, as well as operating nationally and internationally. A highly relational and prayerful pastor who role models deep discipleship and love of others and their diversity. A priest of significant humility and courage, able to navigate sensitive and conflicting issues with authenticity, whilst embodying the radical welcome of the Cathedral to all.
Coventry Cathedral stands as a global icon of peace. After the destruction of the medieval cathedral in 1940, the decision was made not to rebuild what was lost, but to build something new alongside the ruins — a living parable of forgiveness and renewal. This commitment to reconciliation continues to shape our identity and mission today.Coventry Cathedral plays a vital civic role within the life of the city and its wider complex communities. As a trusted and visible public building and institution, it hosts major civic ceremonies, remembrance events, university graduations, and gatherings that bring together leaders from multiple faiths, politics, education, business, and the voluntary sector. The Cathedral is a place where the city comes to celebrate, to mourn, to reflect, and to seek unity in times of challenge. Its partnerships with local organisations, schools, community groups, faith groups and cultural institutions help shape Coventry’s identity as a city of peace, reconciliation, resilience, and creativity.
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