19 July 2026
The Revd Canon Louise Williams has, subject to the usual legal formalities, been appointed as Residentiary Canon for Learning and Nurture at Chelmsford Cathedral. She will take up the post in October 2026.
As Canon for Learning and Nurture, Louise will take the lead on one of three priorities identified in the Cathedral's refreshed vision, working to develop an imaginative, lively and missional engagement with people of all ages.
She will oversee the Cathedral's schools engagement and the new role of Learning Officer with Children and Family Discipleship and will work closely with the volunteer teams behind the Cathedral's thriving Junior Church and toddler group, Little Robins, supporting whole-family discipleship as children grow.
She will also lead the Cathedral's thematic programmes of missional and creative engagement with adults, including the Keene Lectures and will work alongside the Cathedral's Events team to open up the riches of the Christian tradition to the curious and the exploring.
On being appointed, Louise said:
"I'm delighted to be appointed to this role in a place that has been so important in my ministerial journey. I look forward to getting to know the community at the Cathedral and to worshipping alongside them. As Canon for Learning and Nurture I am excited to help build on all the good work already going on here and to see where God will guide us next."
Welcoming Louise's appointment, The Very Revd Dr Jessica Martin, the Dean of Chelmsford said:
"I am delighted that Louise will be joining the ministry team at Chelmsford Cathedral as Canon for Learning and Nurture. Having been one of our Honorary Canons since 2017, she brings with her a wealth of parish experience, wisdom and warmth that will be a real gift to our work with families, children and young people, and to all who come to learn and explore their faith here.
“There is so much to build on, from our flourishing Junior Church to our thematic programmes for adults and we are looking forward tremendously to welcoming her. My prayers are with her as she prepares for this new season of ministry."
The Bishop of Chelmsford, the Rt Revd Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani added:
"Louise’s experience in parish ministry and her leadership as an Area Dean equip her well for the role of Residentiary Canon for Learning and Nurture. She will bring many gifts to this new role. Working with Dean Jessica, cathedral colleagues, volunteers and the wider cathedral community, she will play an important part in shaping the life of our cathedral and developing its ministry for all ages, particularly among families, children and young people. Please join me in praying for Louise as she prepares to begin this new chapter of her ministry."
About Revd Louise Williams
Louise has lived and served in the Diocese of Chelmsford since 1991. She was ordained in Chelmsford Cathedral and has ministered in West Ham, Harold Hill and Westcliff before fifteen years at St Andrew's and St Peter's in the Parish of South Shoebury, where she is currently Rector. For the past five years she has also served as Area Dean of Southend.
Louise recently completed an MA in Mission, Ministry and Spirituality, and has contributed widely to the life of the Church at parish, diocesan and national level, including as a Bishop's Adviser, Clergy Chair and member of General Synod. She has been an Honorary Canon of Chelmsford Cathedral since 2017.