The Secret Something

Since just before Christmas I've been carrying a secret.

Not a very dark and sinister one, it's true, but nonetheless, it has been a struggle.

I'm very definitely extrovert - so keeping something important to myself is completely against my natural inclinations and I'm very relieved to be able to come out at last!

The Bishop of Coventry has invited me to become Canon Pastor of Coventry Cathedral - and after some very intense prayer and reflection, I was delighted to accept.

This means that I will be moving on from St Matthew's at the end of April, - something that is quite hard to contemplate, as I love and value that community greatly and have gained so much from our journey together.

Nevertheless, I'm absolutely confident that God has called me to Coventry - and though I feel decidedly inadequate when I consider the work ahead, I know that "He who calls is faithful".

I'll be installed on 31st May - and very much hope that there will be a good number of friends in the Cathedral that afternoon. I know I'll need all the support I can get!

It feels very strange to be preparing to leave Gloucester diocese, where I've ministered as a Reader, Deacon and Priest for the past 20 years, but I was made so very welcome in Coventry, even amid the pressures and alarms of the interview process, and I'm excited that I will be part of the story of that amazing Cathedral for a little while.

In the weeks ahead, please do pray for me, for the people of St Matthew's and the wider Cainscross community, and for my new colleagues in Coventry too. I've never really understood the story of Abram/Abraham til now!

And if you want to know more about Coventry Cathedral and its great work of reconciliation - the website is here - with a really good video too.