Hereford Cathedral is very pleased to announce that the successor to Canon Andrew Piper on his retirement will be The Revd Dr Jonathan Roberts.

In December, Jonathan was installed as Succentor to support the cathedral with the preparations for The Revd Canon Andrew Piper’s retirement following twenty-two years in the role of Precentor. Jonathan’s temporary role will now be made permanent as the cathedral’s Succentor and a Minor Canon.

Jonathan first came to Herefordshire as curate in the Leominster Team. Prior to ordination he worked in music education, teaching Indonesian traditional percussion ensemble music to primary school pupils, university and conservatoire students, and community groups across the UK, and lecturing in Ethnomusicology. He and his partner Pete look forward to deepening their roots in Hereford as they become part of the cathedral community longer-term.

The Very Revd Sarah Brown, Dean of Hereford, says: “I am thrilled to announce The Revd Dr Jonathan Roberts as the very worthy successor to Andrew Piper. Jonathan is confirmed in his previously temporary position as Succentor and Minor Canon of this cathedral. Jonathan is an extremely able liturgist and musician and more than capable of anything which this role will throw at him. We look forward to everything he brings to this role.”

The Rt Revd Richard Jackson, Bishop of Hereford, says: “I am delighted that Jonathan can stay on in his role as Succentor and Minor Canon as an Interim Minister following Andrew Piper’s departure.  He has already demonstrated many gifts in the Succentor role.  We feel the liturgical and musical life of the cathedral are in safe hands.”

The Reverend Dr Jonathan Roberts says: “I am absolutely delighted to be able to continue as part of the team at the cathedral. The opportunity to work alongside Andrew Piper before his retirement was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I am honoured to have been asked to build on that experience. I look forward to working with the excellent music team, vestry team, clergy, and volunteers to provide worship that not only fills the building with the beauty of holiness, but also reaches out to the city, schools, and Diocese beyond, drawing people into a transformative encounter with God.”

As Succentor, Jonathan will oversee the worship of the cathedral and lead the vestry and music teams in continuing to deliver the liturgical excellence that is expected at Hereford Cathedral.