23 September 2026
Five new Honorary Canons were Collated and Installed at Chelmsford Cathedral on Tuesday 22 September during a service of Choral Evening Prayer at which the Cathedral's new Senior Non-Executive Member of Chapter was also welcomed and thanks was given for the contribution of Canon Michaela Southworth, who is leaving her role as Diocesan Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, later this month.
The five newly installed Honorary Canons are:
- The Rev'd Canon Colin Baldwin, Priest in Charge at the Lifestream Churches in Southend-on-Sea
- The Rev'd Canon Vanessa Conant, Team Rector of Walthamstow (St Mary the Virgin, St Gabriel and St Luke)
- The Rev'd Canon Peter Hillman, Team Recor of Canvey Island and Priest in Charge of St George New Thundersley
- The Rev'd Canon Sue Howlett, Team Vicar of St Andrew, St Anne and St Matthew Colchester
- The Rev'd Canon Dr Angus Ritchie, Director of the Centre for Theology and Community
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The five newly installed Honorary Canons are pictured with members of the Bishop's Leadership Team and the Diocesan Registrar
During the service, Bishop Guli led the congregation in giving thanks for the contribution of Diocesan Secreatry and Chief Executive Officer, Canon Michaela Southworth, who will leave her role later this month after five years in post.
When Michaela announced her decision to leave, earlier this year, Bishop Guli paid tribute saying:
“I want to thank Michaela for her extraordinary commitment, dedication and contribution to the life of our diocese over the past five years. It has been an enormous privilege and joy to work with her and I know that she will be missed by so many when she leaves her role in September.
“Michaela has faithfully led us in addressing numerous significant challenges, including financial ones, while holding to our diocesan values and the shared commitment to Travel Well Together. She has done all this, not only with considerable expertise, but with grace, wisdom and good humour, gaining the respect and admiration of people across the whole diocese. Though I’m very sad to see her go, Michaela will leave us, having made a positive and profound difference to the Diocese."
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Bishop Guli thanked Michaela Southworth for her contribution as Diocesan Secretary and Chief Executive Officer
Averil Pooten Watan was also welcomed as the new Senior Non Executive Member of the Chelmsford Cathedral Chapter. As Vice-Chair of Chapter, Averil will work alongside the Dean and the rest of the Cathedral Chapter, bringing independent judgement and her own professional background to the Cathedral's governance and strategic decisions. She will also support the work of Chapter’s statutory committees.
The service can be watched in full below.
