Rev Canon Jonathan Brewster will become the next Dean of Carlisle, Downing Street has announced.
Currently serving as the Cartmel Peninsula Mission Community leader and interim team vicar in the parishes of Haverthwaite, Finsthwaite and Staveley in Cartmel, the 56-year-old will take up the post in September.
“I am thrilled to be announced as the new Dean and very much look forward to working alongside the Cathedral’s Chapter, staff and volunteers and colleagues in the wider Diocese as we seek to further God’s mission in the city and county,” he said.
His appointment follows the retirement of the Very Rev Mark Boyling as Dean last September after 18 years of leading the team at Carlisle Cathedral.
Canon Brewer was ordained deacon in 1994 after studying a BA in Theology at Trinity College Bristol. He was a curate in the Diocese of Bradford, and between 1998 and 2003 led an ecumenical chaplaincy team in the University of Westminster.
He has also served as the Area Dean of Islington from 2014 and Acting Archdeacon of Hackney from 2015 to 2016. In 2017 he moved to St Paul’s Cathedral as Residentiary Canon and Treasurer, an appointment involving oversight of the building and the commercial and financial aspects of its work, relating these to the Cathedral’s spiritual mission of worship, prayer and service.
Canon Brewster continued: “The cathedral exists as a place of prayer and welcome for the city, the county and the whole Diocese. The 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, and supporting the wider mission and ministry of the Diocese as the new Dean.”
The Rt Rev James Newcome, Bishop of Carlisle, said: “I am delighted that Jonathan has been appointed Dean of Carlisle. He brings to the post proven mission-focussed skills and a huge experience of working within a Cathedral setting having been Canon Treasurer at St Paul’s Cathedral with oversight of a multi-million budget.
“It has been a particularly exciting few years for the staff and worshipping community of Carlisle Cathedral with completion of the wonderful Fratry project and a series of wonderful events through which we could celebrate its 900th anniversary. I know Jonathan will look to build further on this in the coming years and that he will also be a very valued member of the Bishop’s Senior Leadership team. As he prepares to take on the role I will hold him, Sarah and all of their family in my prayers.”
Canon Brewster will be installed as the 42nd Dean of Carlisle at a special service at Carlisle Cathedral on Saturday 30 September at 3pm.