Rebecca is currently Canon Chancellor and Director of Learning and Participation at Gloucester Cathedral, a post she has held since 2022. Her responsibilities in Gloucester include education, community engagement, visitor experience, and communications. Prior to her role in Gloucester Rebecca ministered as a Bishop’s Chaplain and as a Priest Vicar Choral at Lichfield Cathedral, and in a parish in the Diocese of Southwark. She trained for ordination at Westcott House and Jesus College, Cambridge.
Rebecca has a lifelong passion for music and holds master’s and doctoral degrees in historical musicology, the latter awarded for a thesis on theological approaches to the music of JS Bach. Before ordination she was a Civil Service Fast Streamer working on health policy.
Rebecca said, “I am very much looking forward to taking up the role of Canon Precentor and Sacrist at Winchester Cathedral. Winchester has a musical tradition second to none, an extraordinary building, and a deep heritage of faith and worship which is being stewarded and developed into the future by a uniquely talented and committed team, and I feel hugely privileged at being invited to join in.”
The Very Revd Christopher Palmer, Dean of Winchester said, “I am delighted that Rebecca will be our next Precentor. She brings a wealth of experience in Cathedral ministry alongside pastoral and liturgical skill and maturity. We very much look forward to welcoming her.”
The Bishop of Winchester, Rt. Rev. Philip Mounstephen, said, “I’m delighted by Canon Rebecca’s appointment as Precentor. She brings a wealth of wisdom and experience, and I believe her appointment, along with that of our new Director of Music, will usher in an exciting new season in the worshipping life of the Cathedral, which lies at the very heart of its purpose and mission.”
Rebecca will move to Winchester in November with her small dog, Tina. She will be installed at Choral Evensong at 6pm on Sunday 6 December.