Welcome to the new Dean of Hereford

The Revd Canon Sarah Brown will be installed as Dean of Hereford on Saturday 2 October during a special Choral Evensong.

Click here to download the order of service (pdf)

In July it was announced that Sarah would be joining Hereford Cathedral, the first time in the 1,300-year history of the diocese that a woman has been appointed to the role of Dean of Hereford.

Sarah joins Hereford from Peterborough Cathedral where she has served in the role of Canon Missioner for three and a half years. Since her ordination in 2008, Sarah has worked closely within the agricultural and rural community as well as gaining valuable experience of ministry to market towns and a cathedral city. As Dean of Hereford, she will have overall responsibility for the cathedral’s life, mission and ministry, alongside administration, finance and fabric matters as well as holding responsibilities in the wider diocese.

Sarah has moved into the historic Cloisters of the cathedral with her husband Richard, and they have two children; Alice, who is a musician and Edward, who is training to be a vet. Sarah’s parents have also relocated to the city and Richard’s family are based just across the border in Monmouth.

The Revd Canon Sarah Brown, Dean Designate, said: “I just have one thing to say - thank you! For warm welcomes and acts of kindness; for trusting me with your Cathedral. But above all, thanks be to God for all we will do together in Jesus’ name. I’m excited and I hope that you are too.”

The Rt Revd Richard Jackson, Bishop of Hereford, said: “I am very much looking forward to welcoming Revd Canon Sarah as our new Dean to the Cathedral and the Diocese of Hereford this weekend.  After a very long eighteen months of lockdown, it will be a joyous occasion to see the Cathedral full again.  Sarah will play a key part in the ministry of Hereford Cathedral with its history and is well placed to build on the legacy of Dean Michael Tavinor in establishing a greater public appreciation of this beautiful place in the heart of the city.

“I pray for Sarah and her family as she commences ministry in our diocese. “

The installation service will take place on Saturday 2 October at Hereford Cathedral. Due to present circumstances the number of attendees is unfortunately very restricted and attendance at the Cathedral service is by invitation only. However, everyone is welcome to join the livestream of the service via this page on the cathedral website, starting at 3.30pm, and there will be plenty of opportunities to meet the new Dean from Sunday 3 October.