First Female Dean at St Albans

06th December 2021

St Albans welcomes new dean.

The new Dean of St Albans was installed on Saturday – the first woman to be appointed to the role.

The Very Reverend Jo Kelly-Moore took up her new role and said:

“It is a huge privilege and a joy to become the tenth Dean of St Albans and to work with the Cathedral community and in our Diocese as we, inspired by Alban, Britain’s first saint and martyr, serve and support the communities we are part of.  

First female dean installed at St Albans cathedral

“In this challenging and anxious world there can be no doubt of our need to work together, across our communities, as we seek to build communities of care where all have what they need and can reach their potential. I am committed to that partnership.”

Dean Jo comes from Canterbury Cathedral where she served four years, and previously she was  Dean of Holy Trinity Cathedral in Auckland, New Zealand.

First female dean installed at St Albans cathedral

The Bishop of St Albans said:

“I’m delighted that Jo has arrived to take up her responsibilities as Dean of St Albans. As well as being the ‘mother church’ of the diocese, the cathedral is a centre of worship and tourism, welcoming large numbers of people on a daily basis. I am confident that under her leadership the cathedral will continue to play a
major role in the life of the city and the region. We are looking forward to working with her over the coming years”.

First female dean installed at St Albans cathedral

Tim Fleming, Chief Operating Officer at St Albans Cathedral said:

“The Cathedral’s staff and many volunteers are absolutely thrilled to be welcoming Jo in her new ministry, here at St Albans and throughout the communities we serve. St Albans Cathedral is known to be a welcoming and friendly place, and Jo’s energy and enthusiasm will fill it beautifully. 

“Jo has talked about the importance and joy of being the people of God in all that we do. It is that message of love and care, inspired by the witness of Alban, that I’m sure Jo will find here as we welcome her and her family,” he added.

First female dean installed at St Albans cathedral

 

Photos: Emma Collins Photography