Published on: 02/09/2025
The Bishop of Sheffield, the Rt Revd Dr Pete Wilcox, has appointed nine new canons to Sheffield Cathedral, in recognition of their various ministries and work across the Diocese of Sheffield.
Honorary canons (whether lay or ordained) are appointed by the Bishop after consulting with the Dean, in recognition of distinguished service to the Diocese.
The following people have been invited to become members of the College of Canons at Sheffield Cathedral:
- Three new clergy canons: Revd Dr Claire Dawson, Revd Fr Grant Naylor and Revd Harry Steele
- Three new lay canons: Miss LJ Buxton, Dr Cathy Rhodes and Mr Neil Riley
- Three new ecumenical canons: Revd David Bussue, Revd Fr Christopher Posluszny and Revd Fr Mousa Roshdy.
At least four of the nine (Revd Harry Steele, Miss LJ Buxton, Dr Cathy Rhodes, Mr Neil Riley) will be installed alongside the Revd Canon David Gerrard on Tuesday 18 November at 5.30pm. The Revd Claire Dawson and the Revd Grant Naylor will be installed on Sunday 9 November at 4pm.
The ecumenical canons may also be installed on the 18 November, but the possibility of a dedicated ecumenical occasion is also being explored.
LJ Buxton, Director of Communications and Assistant Diocesan Secretary at the Diocese of Sheffield, said:
‘I’m absolutely delighted! Over the past 12 years, I’ve had the joy of working with some truly wonderful people – colleagues who’ve become close friends, and parish teams whose faith and commitment continue to inspire me. I’ve been fortunate to be part of the Diocese’s missional work, helping to share stories of hope and transformation across our wonderful part of the country. Being invited to become an Honorary Canon of Sheffield Cathedral is a deeply humbling honour, and I’m so grateful to the Bishop and the Cathedral for this recognition.’
Revd Claire Dawson, Vicar of St Mary’s Bramall Lane and Acting Archdeacon of Sheffield and Rotherham, said:
‘I was deeply touched and moved to be invited to be an Honorary Canon at Sheffield Cathedral. It is very affirming and humbling to have my ministry in the Diocese of Sheffield publicly recognised in this way. I am minded that I have only been able to exercise this ministry, particularly the role of the Acting Archdeacon due to the support of the Team at St Mary’s. So, for me this also celebrates and affirms the wonderful work and ministry of St Mary’s Church, Bramall Lane. I am also really looking forward to getting a badge to jazz up my black stole!’
Fr Grant Naylor, Vicar of St Matthew’s Carver Street in Sheffield, said:
‘I am touched and humbled by the confidence the Bishop of Sheffield has placed in me by asking to serve as an Honorary Canon of the Cathedral at this time. The Lord has blessed our work at Carver Street in so many ways and I am grateful to accept this tribute both personally, but also in recognition of the faithfulness of my people. Day in and day out they sustain me with their love and their prayers, they honour God with their worship and they serve our local community with The Saviour’s love. Praised be Jesus Christ!’
Dr Cathy Rhodes, Diocesan Environment Officer, said:
‘I was delighted to be invited by Bishop Pete to be a member of our College of Canons and was speechless when I opened the letter. Those who know me realise that is rare! Volunteering as Diocesan Environment Officer for the last 5 years was a gift from God after breast cancer brought early retirement from working as an obstetrician. It led to other blessings including representing the Diocese at General Synod and being elected as a Church Commissioner. I can’t wait to be part of the College and look forward to working with Dean Abi and the Cathedral team.’
‘It has been a very pleasant surprise to be invited to become an honorary canon of Sheffield Cathedral. I am very grateful to Bishop Pete for the invitation and to Dean Abi for agreeing to the nomination. It remains a great joy to serve in the Diocese of Sheffield and to live and work in this part of the world, therefore, to share in the life of Sheffield Cathedral in this way is a real privilege.’
