Five new canons installed into Salisbury Cathedral’s College of Canons

The five canons come from across the diocese and this year’s new admissions reflect a strong commitment to community, inclusion, and vocation. The Revd Rachma Abbott is the Bishop’s Adviser for United Kingdom Minority Ethnic Concerns and Rector of the Benefice of Lyneham and Woodhill in North Wiltshire; The Revd Roger Powell is the Rector of Ridgeway and Rural Dean of Marlborough and has strong interest in fostering and supporting vocations from UK Minority Ethnic and Global Majority Heritage communities; The Revd Jane Curtis is the Vicar of Royal Wootton Bassett and Rural Dean of Calne, and is a member of the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel; The Revd Deb Smith, a former newspaper reporter, is Team Rector in Bridport; and Nicki Edwards is Head Teacher of The Gryphon School, a pioneering Church of England Academy with some 1645 students. 

The Dean of Salisbury, the Very Revd Nicholas Papadopulos said: “We are delighted to welcome the five new canons, each of whom brings their own gifts, insights, and experience to the Cathedral’s life. The last two years have been challenging for all of us, and have demonstrated the supreme importance of our belonging together in community. Deb, Roger, Jane, Rachma and Nicki have all shown passion and commitment to supporting those they live amongst and with whom they work; I look forward to working with them.” 

Speaking ahead of the service Acting Bishop of Salisbury, The Right Revd Karen Gorham, said: ‘I am delighted that Rachma, Deb, Jane, Roger and Nicki have accepted our invitation to join the College. It is really good to see parish ministry continue to be recognised in the College of Canons as well as us valuing the contribution of those involved in education. We celebrate the diversity amongst us and the ministry these individuals represent in our schools, rural areas, market towns, and their various areas of specialism.’ 

The College of Canons is part of the Cathedral’s extended family and meets twice a year to provide feedback on policy decisions made by Chapter, the Cathedral’s governing body, and on Cathedral activities.