New Dean installed at Carlisle Cathedral in special service

The Very Reverend Jonathan Brewster became the 42nd Dean of Carlisle at this special service, attended by more than 400 guests, including leading figures from the City and Diocese, as well as friends and family of the new Dean, and members of the public.

The service featured music sung by the Cathedral Choirs, a civic welcome from local dignitaries, and prayers led by members of the clergy from across the Diocese of Carlisle.

The new dean being blessed by the Bishop of Penrith, Rob Saner-Haigh (Image: Stuart Walker photography)In his sermon, drawing from the Cathedral’s Augustinian heritage, Jonathan spoke of the Cathedral as a place where all are invited to discover the deep rest that St Augustine famously wrote about. “In a world of information noise, where news, information and opinion is delivered at pace, the offer of such sanctuary and rest is needed now more than ever”.

Dean Jonathan delivering his inaugural sermon (Image: Stuart Walker photography)Jonathan joins the Cathedral after a two-year period as the Cartmel Peninsula Mission Community Leader and Interim Team Vicar in the parishes of Haverthwaite, Finsthwaite and Staveley in Cartmel, and Associate Priest in the parishes of St Paul Grange-over-Sands and Field Broughton with Lindale.

The announcement was made in June 2023 by Downing Street after His Majesty The King approved the appointment. It follows the retirement of The Very Revd Mark Boyling as Dean last September.

Dean and Chapter and Chief Operating Officer of Carlisle Cathedral (Image: Stuart Walker photography)Jonathan said: “I am thrilled to be joining Carlisle Cathedral as the new Dean and very much look forward to working alongside the Cathedral’s Chapter, staff, volunteers and colleagues in the wider Diocese as we seek to further God’s mission in the city and county.

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“The Cathedral exists as a place of prayer and welcome for the city, the county and the whole Diocese.

Dean Jonathan with Canon Michael Manley (Image: Stuart Walker photography)"The Diocesan God for All vision, is precisely that, it’s an ecumenical vision for all people and I’m so looking forward to getting to know the Cathedral community, building on all that’s been achieved in its 900th anniversary year last year, and supporting the wider mission and ministry of the Diocese as the new Dean.”