THERE was a huge round of applause as it was announced the King has approved the nomination of The Revd Canon Dr Stephen Edwards to be appointed as the new Dean of Worcester.

The Revd Canon Dr Stephen Edwards, who was the Interim Dean of Worcester will now be appointed as the Dean of Worcester on Sunday, September 15.

The outgoing Bishop of Worcester, John Inge, made the announcement this morning (June 17) from the Great Hall at the Old Palace. 

Dr Edwards received a huge round of applause as he took to the stand for his speech. 

Dr Edwards said: "It's been a very strange six or seven weeks since the interview and keeping this to myself. It's hard not to come up with the usual cliché because they are all true.

"It's an absolute joy, an absolute privilege, and an absolute honour and it's extremely humbling.

"Seeing this room now full of friends and colleagues and people who travelled a great distance, it's just really overwhelming even though I knew this day was in the diary."

The interim dean arrived in Worcester in 2019 and has led Worcester Cathedral through the vacancy.

(Image: Worcester Cathedral)

"I received a letter from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak about three weeks ago saying that he was putting my name forward asking was that okay with me and so I wrote back and all has gone smoothly so far.

"I've fallen in love not just with the cathedral which is one of the glories of England but with the cathedral community, the wider diocese, and the city. 

"Please pray for me I need it and I will pray for you as we face the upcoming months and years with so much joy and happiness for all this cathedral is."

Bishop John announced his retirement earlier this year.

Dr Edwards has been Interim Dean since the retirement of the Very Revd Peter Atkinson last September. He will be installed as Dean on Sunday, September 15 at 3pm.

Dr Edwards joined Worcester Cathedral as a Residentiary Canon in September 2019 and has had particular responsibility for promoting the cathedral’s mission in the Diocese and local community, as well as the pastoral care and spiritual nurture of the Cathedral community.

Dr Edwards continued: "I haven't felt any immediate changes just yet, it's just really overwhelming.

"It's really lovely, everyone has been welcoming and supportive. 

"I love the city, it has just the right amount of everything people need and it is easy to access the countryside in the great part of the country."