New Canons Installed at Norwich Cathedral: A Celebration of Faith, Scholarship, and Community Service
In a heartwarming ceremony held during Evensong on Tuesday, Norwich Cathedral welcomed three distinguished individuals to its chapter as canons. The installation of Dr. Claire Gilbert as a lay canon, alongside Reverend Richard Lamey and Reverend Martin Greenland as honorary canons, marked a significant moment for this historic institution, bringing together diverse talents that span academic scholarship, spiritual leadership, and grassroots ministry. The occasion reflected the cathedral’s ongoing commitment to bridging historical traditions with contemporary service, while strengthening connections throughout the Diocese of Norwich.
Dr. Claire Gilbert’s appointment represents an especially meaningful connection to Norwich’s spiritual heritage. As an accomplished scholar whose work includes “I, Julian,” a reconstruction of the life of Julian of Norwich—the first woman to write a book in the English language—Gilbert brings a profound appreciation for the city’s mystical legacy. Her relationship with Norwich Cathedral began during her gap year when she toured cathedrals across the country, guided by her father’s wisdom that “cathedrals are one of the reasons the country holds together.” That early encounter left a lasting impression, with Norwich remaining among her favorites. Gilbert’s expertise extends well beyond medieval spirituality into medical ethics, environmental concerns, finance, business ethics, and spirituality in politics and public life. Her previous roles as founding director of the Westminster Abbey Institute and lay canon at St. Paul’s Cathedral, where she co-founded St. Paul’s Institute for ethics in finance and business, highlight her commitment to nurturing moral and spiritual values within contemporary public service.
Reverend Richard Lamey joins the cathedral chapter while serving as the director of mission and ministry for the Diocese of Norwich. His installation as an honorary canon acknowledges his vital work in supporting spiritual growth and community outreach across the region. Lamey expressed genuine enthusiasm for his diocesan role, noting that he’s “relishing working with amazing people, getting out and about to see what is happening all across the diocese and helping us all to listen to what God is calling us to be as disciples and pilgrims.” His warm description of Norwich as “a particularly happy and friendly Cathedral” reflects the welcoming atmosphere that has characterized this sacred space for centuries. Through his new position, Lamey will help strengthen the cathedral’s connections to parishes throughout the diocese, ensuring that it remains a central pillar of spiritual support for the broader community.
The third appointee, Reverend Martin Greenland, brings valuable experience from his current position as Rector of the Acle and Bure to Yare Benefice. His installation recognizes his dedicated service across a rural multi-parish benefice and deanery—the kind of grassroots ministry that forms the backbone of the Church of England’s presence in countless communities. With characteristic humility, Greenland acknowledged that the honor recognizes not just his individual contributions but the collaborative ministry he shares “with many others: seeking to serve God and neighbour in our local communities.” His appointment underscores the cathedral’s commitment to valuing and supporting the essential pastoral work taking place in villages and small towns throughout Norfolk, often far from the spotlight yet vital to maintaining the church’s relevance in daily life.
The Bishop of Norwich warmly endorsed these appointments, noting that both honorary canons “continue to make a significant contribution to the life of the diocese,” while Dr. Gilbert brings “an impressive range of experience as well as her deep interest in Mother Julian.” Similarly, the Dean of Norwich emphasized how the clerical appointments strengthen the cathedral’s connections with ministry across the diocese, while highlighting Gilbert’s dual contribution of “a rich appreciation of Julian of Norwich” and “extensive experience of the role cathedrals can play in education and shaping public debate.” These endorsements reflect the careful thought behind these selections, choosing individuals whose varied gifts and perspectives will enhance the cathedral’s ability to serve as both a center of worship and a resource for the wider community.
The installation of these three canons at Norwich Cathedral represents more than a ceremonial tradition—it embodies the living, evolving nature of one of England’s great religious institutions. Founded in the 11th century, Norwich Cathedral has weathered centuries of religious, political, and social change while remaining a spiritual home for generations of worshippers and visitors. In welcoming a Julian scholar, a diocesan ministry leader, and a parish rector to its chapter, the cathedral demonstrates its ongoing commitment to bridging past and present, scholarship and service, tradition and innovation. As these new canons take up their responsibilities, they join a long line of individuals who have helped this magnificent building fulfill its purpose not just as an architectural wonder, but as a living community dedicated to worship, learning, and compassion. In doing so, they help ensure that Norwich Cathedral continues to be, as Dr. Gilbert’s father wisely observed about cathedrals in general, one of the reasons the country holds together.
