It’s with great excitement that the Bishop of Norwich has announced the appointment of Revd Liz Leaver as the new Canon Pastor of Norwich Cathedral. In this role, Liz will be responsible for overseeing the pastoral care of the cathedral congregation and community, as well as ensuring that the many pilgrims and visitors who flock to the cathedral each year receive a warm and welcoming experience. This is a vital position, as the cathedral is not only a place of worship but also a popular tourist destination, attracting thousands of people from all over the world. As Canon Pastor, Liz will play a key part in creating a sense of community and belonging among those who come to the cathedral, whether they are regular worshippers or just visiting for the day.
Liz joins a strong team of clergy at the cathedral, led by the Dean of Norwich, the Very Revd Dr Andrew Braddock. The team also includes the Revd Dr Peter Doll, Vice Dean and Canon Librarian, and the Revd Canon Aidan Platten, Canon Precentor. Together, they will work to provide spiritual guidance, support, and care to the congregation and the wider community. Liz is well-equipped for this role, having spent many years serving in various parishes and chaplaincies across the UK. Originally from Belfast, Liz moved to England to study and later pursued a career in early AI. However, she felt a calling to the priesthood and was ordained in 1993 in the Ely diocese. Since then, she has served in Liverpool, Chester, and Manchester dioceses, working in a range of contexts, including parish ministry and school chaplaincy.
Liz’s most recent role has been as chaplain to Stockport Grammar School in Cheshire, where she has gained valuable experience in supporting young people and working with diverse communities. She is excited to bring her skills and experience to Norwich Cathedral, where she will be responsible for developing the cathedral’s pastoral care and hospitality. Liz is looking forward to serving in this beautiful and joy-filled cathedral and returning to live in East Anglia, a region she knows and loves. In her free time, Liz enjoys playing tennis and hiking, and she is married with two children in their early twenties. Her family will undoubtedly be a source of support and encouragement as she takes on this new role.
The Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Revd Graham Usher, has expressed his enthusiasm for Liz’s appointment, highlighting her immense pastoral experience and the skills she brings to the role. He is confident that Liz will be a blessing to the congregation, pilgrims, and visitors, and that she will make a valuable contribution to the life and work of the cathedral. The Dean of Norwich, the Very Revd Dr Andrew Braddock, has also welcomed Liz to the team, praising her wealth of experience and particular strengths in working with people of all ages. He is looking forward to seeing the positive impact she will have on the cathedral community and the wider city.
The appointment of Liz Leaver as Canon Pastor follows the retirement of the Revd Canon Andy Bryant, who served as the Cathedral’s Canon for Mission and Pastoral Care for 10 years. Canon Bryant’s retirement marked the end of an era, and the cathedral community is now looking forward to a new chapter under Liz’s leadership. As Canon Pastor, Liz will build on the foundations laid by Canon Bryant, continuing to develop the cathedral’s pastoral care and hospitality, and exploring new ways to engage with the community and support those in need. With her experience, skills, and passion for ministry, Liz is well-placed to make a real difference in the lives of those who come to the cathedral.
As Liz prepares to join the cathedral team in the new year, the congregation and community are eagerly anticipating her arrival. With her warm and welcoming approach, she is sure to make a positive impact on all those she meets. Whether you are a regular worshipper, a pilgrim, or simply a visitor, you can expect a warm welcome at Norwich Cathedral, thanks to the dedication and hard work of Liz and the rest of the clergy team. As Liz herself has said, she is really looking forward to serving in this beautiful and joy-filled cathedral, and we have no doubt that she will be a blessing to all those around her. With her appointment, the cathedral is gearing up for an exciting new chapter, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact she will have on the community in the years to come.
