News

Winchester Cathedral is pleased to announce the appointment of the Revd Dr Tess Kuin Lawton in an important new role of Canon Missioner.

Tess joins Winchester Cathedral after five years as Chaplain at Worcester College, Oxford, where she was a Fellow and Trustee of the Governing Body and an undergraduate Tutor in ‘Religion and Religions’. She also teaches at Wycliffe Hall on bereavement and spirituality of the young.

Ordained in the Diocese of Oxford in 2008, Tess’s experience includes being a non-stipendiary vicar of Black Bourton and Area Dean of Witney, and being a school and university Chaplain. She has a particular interest in sharing the Gospel in a secular world.

In her new role, Tess will be responsible for leading the work of mission and evangelism across the Cathedral to enhance its contribution to the wider common good; developing new partnerships; working with the cathedral’s large range of volunteers; engaging with diverse audiences; and encouraging the growth of the Cathedral congregation. This will

include working with schools and universities in the area. Tess will be a member of Chapter, the governing body of the Cathedral, and will be pivotal in promoting the Cathedral’s mission to renew, inspire and unite people in faith, hope and love.

The Revd Dr Tess Kuin Lawton said, “I am delighted to take on this important role at Winchester Cathedral, and to support the mission and ministry of the Cathedral in new and innovative ways. Winchester Cathedral is strategically placed at the heart of its community, and I believe has a vital role to play in renewal and community life in the coming years. I am excited by the range and diversity of the large towns and villages across the Winchester Diocese, and I hope to start establishing connections with the many schools and universities in the area. I am very much looking forward to joining the Chapter team and meeting everyone.”

This is a significant time for the Cathedral as it works towards recovery with a new understanding of human connectedness, of digital opportunities, and of the pressing need for action in the face of the climate emergency.

The Dean of Winchester, the Very Revd Catherine Ogle said, “I’m delighted to be welcoming Tess to the life and ministry of Winchester Cathedral and feel sure that she is a great addition to the team. Tess brings considerable talent, experience and skills to the role of Canon Missioner, as well as warmth of personality, and we’re all greatly looking forward to working with her.’

The Revd Dr Tess Kuin Lawton will be officially installed as Canon Missioner at Winchester Cathedral on Saturday 20th November during the 5.30pm Evensong.