On Sunday 4th February, the Bishop of London, the Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally DBE, installed five new Prebendaries of St Paul’s Cathedral. For the first time in its history, this includes two members of the laity, recognising their valuable contribution to the life of and service in the Diocese of London.
The new lay Prebendaries include Dr Jane Williams, who helped found St Mellitus College and is now the McDonald Professor in Christian Theology, having previously taught in both university and Theological College Settings. Dr Williams has travelled extensively within the Anglican Communion, lecturing and preaching.
The other lay Prebendary is Richard Gough, the former General Secretary of the Diocese of London, who stood down last summer after nine years of service to the Diocese. During his tenure, Richard helped build new churches, develop youth ministry and support parishes fundraise millions of pounds.
The three Prebendaries from the clergy include Revd Idina Dunmore, Minister with responsibility for Church on the Corner in the Barnsbury team.
Idina is joined by Revd Debs Wignall, Vicar at St Richard’s Church, Hanworth and Dean of Women’s Ministry in the Kensington Area. Prior to ordination, Debs worked in education, including as a primary school teacher. She is a Governor of St Richard’s School.
The final member installed was the Revd Canon John Kafwanka, Vicar of the Parish of St Augustine of Canterbury in Whitton. John was formerly Director for Mission at the Anglican Communion Office, a role he held for 11 years before returning to parish ministry in 2020. John Kafwanka began his ordained ministry in Chingola, Zambia, in 1993 and was recently awarded the Cross of St Augustine for his outstanding leadership in the Anglican Communion.
Prebendaries are appointed by the Bishop of London after consultation with the Dean of St Paul’s in recognition of their work in the Diocese. As part of the roles in the Greater Chapter of St Paul’s, they are each given their own stall in the quire, are invited to preach once a year and are given a portion of the Psalms to recite each day. They also play a valuable role in maintaining the Cathedral’s close links with the parishes of the London Diocese.
The Bishop of London, The Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally, said:
“I’m thrilled to announce three new members of the clergy and for the first time in its history, two new members of the laity, as Prebendaries of St Paul’s Cathedral. Their extensive experience and various ministries make them the perfect fit for the role at the Cathedral. I am sure they will make a highly valuable contribution to St Paul’s in the years ahead.”
Dean of St Paul’s, the Very Revd Andrew Tremlett, said:
“It’s a joy to welcome five new Prebendaries of St Paul’s, in recognition of their outstanding work in the Diocese and for the first time including Lay members of the church alongside ordained. These individuals will play a vital role for the Cathedral, enhancing our links to parishes and local communities across London. I’m very much looking forward to working with them as they continue to dedicate themselves to serving Christ and their communities, enhancing the Cathedral’s mission.”
The new Prebendaries and their Prebendal Stall:
Dr Jane Williams (Lay) – Brownswood
Richard Gough (Lay) – Ealdstreet
Revd Idina Dunmore – Totenhall
Revd Debs Wignall – Consumpta Per Mare
Revd Canon John Kafwanka – Newington
