The chair of the charity Citizens UK has been announced as the next Dean of Leicester. Rev Canon Karen Rooms who was licensed as Acting Dean in January becomes the third person to hold the post. She was previously the Cathedral’s Sub-Dean and Canon Missioner.
Leicester Cathedral was recently partially re-opened, after a 2-year restoration project due to be completed next year.
Rev Canon Karen said:
“It is an absolute privilege to serve as Dean of Leicester in such a vibrant city and in Leicestershire’s towns and rural communities. I love being in Leicester and am excited about all the possibilities which our renewed Cathedral, and the facilities that will be available to us later in 2024, offer. I look forward to all we can be and offer together as we witness the love of God experienced in Jesus Christ.”
Announcing the appointment, the Bishop of Leicester Rt Rev Martyn Snow said:
"I am delighted to announce that Karen will be the new Dean of Leicester. Karen is a courageous and compassionate leader, whose passion for justice and equity will, I am sure, inspire and encourage many in our city and county. She has done a superb job as Acting Dean, including very significant additional fundraising for Leicester Cathedral Revealed.
"With the Cathedral reopening, after being closed for restoration and renovation work for two years, this is a very exciting time for the whole Diocese as well as those who worship, work, and minister in the Cathedral. Leicester Cathedral has a privileged position as the beating heart for both the city and county, and I know that Karen is deeply committed to it being a place of hospitality, wonder, inspiration, and discovery for all who step inside."
Rev Canon Karen will be installed as the Dean of Leicester at a special service in Leicester Cathedral in March 2024. She was ordained in the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham, and was 'priested' (the second stage of ordination in the CofE) in 2007. Before moving to Leicester, she served as an Area Dean in Nottingham, and Vicar of St Ann with Emmanuel Church.
Canon Karen is chair of trustees for Citizens UK which is a national people-powered alliance bringing communities together to effect change.