Two priests from Dorset have joined Salisbury Cathedral’s College of Canons

Reverend Sarah Godfrey and Reverend Jo Neary have been invited to take up the position in Weymouth and the Slape stalls respectively. 

The Dorset pair join the College of Canons after an invitation from the Right Reverend Stephen Lake, Bishop of Salisbury during the Evensong service on Thursday, May 23, 

The College of Canons is part of the cathedral’s extended family and meets twice a year to provide feedback on policy decisions made by Chapter, the cathedral’s governing body, and on cathedral activities.

Revd Godfrey is currently the acting team rector for the Golden Cap which represents 12 churches covering an area along the Jurassic Coast and across the Marshwood Vale.

She trained a Sarum College before being ordained deacon in Salisbury Cathedral in 2005. 

Her work includes ministry in primary schools and is governor of two schools in Lyme Regis and Marshwood.

Revd Neary is a team vicar in the Beaminster Area Team in west Dorset and is also a part time tutor for Rural Ministry and Mission at Sarum College.

She has a particular interest in rural pioneering and mission, rural poverty and social justice issues, as well as ministry with rural schools.

During the service two other canon's were appointed from Wiltshire. David Pain, who take sup the Heytesbury stall and Reverend Keith Brindle in the in the Teynton Regis stall in the Cathedral Quire. 

The Dean of Salisbury, the Very Revd Nicholas Papadopulos, said: “We are delighted to welcome Keith, Sarah and Jo as non-residentiary canons and David as a lay canon at the Cathedral.

"Their varied range of experience and skills from within the Diocese, and beyond, will prove invaluable and I look forward to working with them.”

Speaking ahead of the service, the Bishop of Salisbury, The Right Revd Stephen Lake, said:

“I am delighted that Keith, Sarah, Jo and David have accepted the invitation to join the Cathedral’s College of Canons.

"This will ensure that the interests and views of the Diocese and its parishes continue to be heard by the Cathedral. David’s experience leading the Diocesan Board of Finance will also bring a new perspective to College discussions.”