New Dean of Carlisle announced

The Rev Canon Jonathan Brewster has been announced as the 42nd Dean of Carlisle Cathedral.

New Dean of Carlisle Announced.

Jonathan is no stranger to the county. He holidayed in Cumbria as a child every year and is currently serving his priesthood in the Cartmel Peninsula Team.

He will take up his new post in September after his appointment was approved by the King.

Jonathan, aged 56, said:

“I am thrilled to be announced as the new Dean and very much look forward to working alongside the Cathedral’s Chapter, staff and volunteers and colleagues in the wider Diocese as we seek to further God’s mission in the city and county.

“Cumbria is a place that I know very well. Since being a child, I’ve holidayed here every year, and it’s been a particular privilege to work in the Diocese for the last 18 months, getting to know the villages and towns that make up the Cartmel Peninsula. I’ve greatly valued the friendships made, and seen first-hand the importance of local identity in the working out of mission communities.

“I’m very conscious that the Cathedral community has been through an extremely busy few years, with the Fratry project, the 900th anniversary celebrations and the impact of the Covid pandemic.

“I pay tribute to the former Dean for his great contribution in leading the Cathedral through this challenging time.

“The Cathedral will need time to give thanks and take stock before discerning where God may be leading next, whilst also connecting with the many exciting things happening in and around Carlisle.

“The city is to have a redeveloped railway station, the University of Cumbria and Imperial College London are working together to launch a new graduate entry medical school in Carlisle and the University is also redeveloping the Citadel city centre site and land close to the Cathedral. All of these will offer up new opportunities by which we can connect further with new communities.”

He added:

“The cathedral exists as a place of prayer and welcome for the city, the county and the whole Diocese. The God for All vision, is precisely that, it’s an ecumenical vision for all people and I’m so looking forward to getting to know the cathedral community, building on all that’s been achieved in its 900th anniversary year, and supporting the wider mission and ministry of the Diocese as the new Dean.”

Jonathan is married to Sarah and they have four children, an older son and daughter, and two teenage daughters.

The Rt Rev James Newcome, Bishop of Carlisle, said:

“I am delighted that Jonathan has been appointed Dean of Carlisle. He brings to the post proven mission-focussed skills and a huge experience of working within a Cathedral setting having been Canon Treasurer at St Paul’s Cathedral with oversight of a multi-million budget.

“It has been a particularly exciting few years for the staff and worshipping community of Carlisle Cathedral with the completion of the wonderful Fratry project and a series of wonderful events through which we could celebrate its 900th anniversary.

“I know Jonathan will look to build further on this in the coming years and that he will also be a very valued member of the Bishop’s Senior Leadership team. As he prepares to take on the role I will hold him, Sarah and all of their family in my prayers.”

Jonathan will be installed as the 42nd Dean of Carlisle at a special service at Carlisle Cathedral on Saturday 30 September at 3pm.