Anglican Communion News Service

[ACNS source: Canterbury Cathedral] Canon Clare Edwards has been appointed the new Canon Pastor at Canterbury Cathedral by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd Dr Rowan Williams. Canon Edwards (aged 47) has served as Rector of Bletchingley in Surrey since 1995. Trained originally as a children’s nurse, she studied for the ministry at Lincoln Theological College and was ordained priest in 1994, having been ordained a Deaconess and then a Deacon since 1986. She is an Honorary Canon of Southwark Cathedral, has been Rural Dean for Godstone since 1998, and is also the Dean of Women’s Ministry for the Diocese of Southwark.

Clare Edwards will take up the new post in early Summer. “It has been a hard decision to leave parish life but I will relish the new opportunities, meeting those who work, worship and visit the Cathedral, as well as those in the wider Diocese” she said earlier today. “I hope to be able to have a part in the conduct of retreats and the spiritual growth of worshippers, and share in the spiritual life of this great Church”.

The Dean of Canterbury, the Very Revd Robert Willis, added, “I am absolutely delighted at the appointment of Canon Clare Edwards to be the Canon Pastor at Canterbury Cathedral. This is a new post and she brings immense gifts from her experience as a parish priest and Rural Dean. We look forward to welcoming her to Canterbury”.

Although having little spare time from all her Church activities, Canon Edwards’ hobbies include wind surfing, dingy sailing and bell ringing.