• The Revd Canon Paul Maybury, Precentor, becomes acting Dean
  • The Revd Canon Philip Gray, becomes interim Canon Precentor

The Right Reverend Nick Baines, Bishop of Leeds, has issued the following statement following February’s announcement by the Very Revd Jerry Lepine, Dean of Bradford, about his upcoming retirement:

“The Dean of Bradford will retire on 31 July 2021 and the process for identifying his successor has now begun. I am required to appoint an acting Dean for the duration of the vacancy.

“Following consideration of options and discussion with interested parties, I have asked Canon Paul Maybury to take on this responsibility with the support of myself, the Deans of Ripon and Wakefield, and the cathedral community.

“In order to support this, I have also appointed Canon Philip Gray, latterly Vicar of St Margaret’s, Ilkley, and Area Dean of South Craven and Wharfedale, to be acting Canon Precentor until a new Dean has been appointed and starts in post. This will be on a half-time basis.

“I am delighted that both have agreed to take on these responsibilities during a time of transition, and I look forward to working with them.

“The whole cathedral community is assured of my prayers and support during the months ahead.”

The Revd Canon Paul Maybury, Precentor, says:

“”We are very grateful to Dean Jerry for his leadership, and we will miss him and wish him well in all that the future holds.

“The Cathedral is in good heart, and I look forward to the role of ‘Acting Dean’ knowing that there is an existing strong team of staff, volunteers and congregation all working together.”

The Very Revd Jerry Lepine, Dean of Bradford, says:

“I am very grateful to Bishop Nick for taking the decision to provide extra support to Canon Paul as Acting Dean during the vacancy. Canon Philip Gray is an experienced priest who will fill this role well.

“Please support and encourage Canon Paul and the team during the vacancy and be assured of my prayers for you all at this time of change.”

The Revd Canon Philip Gray says:

“I was delighted to accept Bishop Nick’s invitation to join the Cathedral community as Acting Precentor during the coming months. Since 2007 I have had strong connections with Bradford Cathedral when I was appointed to St Margaret’s, Ilkley as Vicar, and then later as an Honorary Canon.

“Our son Anthony was Organ Scholar at the Cathedral some years ago also. I hope my many years as a parish priest will enable me to contribute significantly to the life of the cathedral, and I especially look forward to taking a lead its wonderful liturgical and musical life as well as working alongside experienced colleagues.”

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