Returning priest named as new Dean of Norwich
Rev Canon Dr Andrew Jonathan Braddock, Interim Dean of Gloucester, was revealed today (September 6) as the new Dean of Norwich in a short ceremony inside Norwich Cathedral witnessed by staff and local media. Keith Morris reports.
The announcement was made at 10am by Downing Street after Her Majesty The Queen approved the appointment of Canon Andrew as the 40th Dean of Norwich, and he will become the most senior priest within the Diocese of Norwich when he takes up the role at the end of January.
His appointment follows the retirement of the Very Rev Jane Hedges, the 39th Dean of Norwich, in May this year.
It is a welcome return to Norfolk for Canon Andrew, aged 51, and his wife Victoria, who spent his first ten years of public ministry in the Diocese of Norwich. Ordained in Norwich Cathedral in 1998, he served his curacy in the parishes of Ranworth with Panxworth, Woodbastwick, South Walsham and Upton. In 2001, Andrew was appointed Rector of Cringleford and Colney, taking up the additional role of Rural Dean of Humbleyard in 2004.
In 2008, Andrew was appointed Diocesan Missioner in the Diocese of Gloucester and, in 2013, he became Canon Missioner of Gloucester Cathedral and Diocesan Director of Mission and Ministry. Andrew was commissioned as Interim Dean of Gloucester in April 2022.
Canon Andrew said: “It is a joy to be returning to Norwich after a rewarding period of ministry in Gloucester. Norwich Cathedral is a remarkable place and one I have a deep affection for having been ordained in the Cathedral and shared in its life during my time in Norfolk. I look forward to building on all that has been achieved under Dean Jane’s leadership, continuing to develop the Cathedral’s Benedictine ethos as a place of Christian worship, welcome, learning and service at the heart of the city, county and diocese.”
The Rt Rev Graham Usher, Bishop of Norwich, said: “I am delighted that Rev Canon Dr Andrew Braddock is to be the next Dean of Norwich. Andrew will bring much to the life of Norwich Cathedral from his experience at Gloucester, as well as supporting the wider mission and ministry of the diocese. He has a strong record of supporting some of the most vulnerable in our society and I am sure will make a significant contribution to the life of the city. In many ways this is a returning home to Norwich, where he was ordained, served his curacy and first incumbency, and I look forward to welcoming him, Victoria and their children in the new year.”
The Rev Dr Peter Doll, Norwich Cathedral’s Vice Dean and Canon Librarian, and who is currently the Acting Dean, said: “The Chapter and cathedral community welcome Canon Andrew’s appointment to be Dean of Norwich. From his previous ministry in this diocese and at Gloucester Cathedral, he brings a lived experience and appreciation of Norfolk and of the distinctive rhythms of cathedral life. We look forward to working with him to deepen and broaden Norwich Cathedral’s witness and service to the diocese, city, and county.”
Canon Andrew will be installed as the 40th Dean of Norwich at a special service at Norwich Cathedral on Saturday January 28, 2023 at 2pm. In the meantime, Canon Peter will continue in the role of Acting Dean.
His Honour Stephen Holt, chair of the appointment panel on behalf of the Crown, said: “The panel was very conscious to try to find a new Dean who could take over from and drive forward the remarkable achievements of Dean Jane.
“We had the honour of seeing some excellent candidates, but Andrew took us by storm. His enthusiasm, drive and faith captured our hearts as well as our heads. He started his mission in Norfolk and now he is coming home to lead Norwich Cathedral. With his gifts and drive, we are sure he is the right person to guide the Cathedral on its continuing journey at the very heart of the Christian faith in Norfolk.
“Our beautiful Cathedral stands as a beacon in the beautiful county of Norfolk. Under Andrew’s leadership it will continue to develop its reputation for being a place of excellent worship, Christian development and of warm and generous hospitality.”
Read our exclusive interview with Canon Andrew talking about his return to Norfolk, his desire to build partnerships with other churches and faith groups and his desire for an outward-looking cathedral as a beacon of faith and hope, embracing the social gospel.
Pictured above is Canon Andrew with his wife Victoria outside Norwich Cathedral. Picture by Bill Smith.