Meet the new Dean of Norwich

The Very Revd Dr Andrew Braddock was installed as the 40th Dean of Norwich on Saturday 28 January 2023. Ahead of the new Dean moving to Norwich, with his wife Victoria and their two teenage children, he took part in a short Q&A to introduce himself…

What are you most looking forward to about your new role as Dean of Norwich?

It’s a great joy to be returning to Norwich and to the Cathedral in which I was ordained nearly 25 years ago. I’m looking forward to reacquainting myself with the Cathedral, its community and the different ways in which it serves the city, diocese and county. Not least, I’m looking forward to all that God will unfold for us in the coming years as the Cathedral continues to be a place where people can draw closer to God and be sent out to love God and neighbour in the world.

What are your memories of being ordained in Norwich Cathedral?

I remember that for both ordinations as a deacon and then, a year later, as a priest, they were beautiful summer days and the Cathedral looked at its best. There were six of us ordained on each occasion which meant that even in the grandeur of the Cathedral it also felt an intimate moment of prayer and dedication.

Tell us a bit more about your ministry in Norwich Diocese.

My curacy was in the parishes of Ranworth with Panxworth, Woodbastwick, South Walsham and Upton, with Canon Phillip McFadyen as my training incumbent. Highlights include the millennium celebrations in 2000 and a benefice passion play which we wrote and produced from scratch. I moved from there to be the rector of Cringleford and Colney for seven years, and also the rural dean of Humbleyard for four years. We experienced all the ups and downs of parish ministry, with some of the most important moments being time spent with individuals and with the wider community whether in times of joy or sadness. I tried to make sure that a good chunk of my time was spent beyond the church communities and in engaging with the school where I was also chair of governors.

What path has your ministry taken since you left the Diocese of Norwich in 2008?

I moved to the Diocese of Gloucester to take up the role of Diocesan Missioner. A major focus of that work was enabling mission initiatives and evangelism in local churches alongside promoting the growth of Pioneer ministry and fresh expressions of church across the diocese. In 2013, I became Director of Mission and Ministry for the diocese and Canon Missioner at Gloucester Cathedral. In April of this year, I became the full-time Interim Dean of Gloucester. A significant part of my time has been working with the wider community, including being a trustee for a Christian counselling service – Listening Post; leading a partnership between the diocese and the local credit unions; and, most recently, chairing the City Centre Commission in Gloucester as it brings together the city council and a range of local stakeholders to frame a common vision for the city.

What are your hopes for the future of Norwich Cathedral, and what do you see as the challenges?

Drawing on its Benedictine roots, Norwich Cathedral has a long tradition of being a place of welcome, worship, service and learning. Building on all that has been achieved under Dean Jane’s leadership, I hope all those different elements of Cathedral life will continue to evolve and develop as we seek to serve the diocese, city and county. Those partnerships will only become important as we face the common challenges of our times – from the cost of living crisis to the climate crisis. This is a moment for communities to stand together and for the Cathedral to be very much a part of that.

What makes cathedrals such special places?

Cathedrals are remarkable places. Through their architecture, beauty and music, their welcome and worship, their commitment to service and learning, they have the ability to inspire and to console. Drawing in thousands of visitors and pilgrims each year, their outreach, whether through music, education or social responsibility, is able to raise the aspirations of young and old alike and contribute to the common good. Their role in the life of the city, diocese and counties they serve enables the church to be present and engaged with all kinds of different groups and communities. It is this combination of roles that shapes cathedrals’ ministry as they draw our hearts to heaven and to the majesty and mystery of God, yet also speak of God who, in Christ, comes amongst us to heal and to reconcile.

Other than Norwich Cathedral, what are your favourite places in Norfolk?

I love the variety to be found in Norfolk. There is the wonderful coastline, the Broads and Breckland, the vibrancy of Norwich and the beauty of the countryside, villages and market towns. If I had to name one place, it would be St Benet’s Abbey. Phillip introduced me to it (via a boat trip from Ranworth) on the eve of my pre-ordination retreat. We said the prayer of St Benedict in the shadow of the cross that marks the site of the former high altar. I remember the moment vividly.

Do you have any pets, and have you met Budge, the Norwich Cathedral cat?

Budge and I have yet to be introduced! I am awaiting Budge’s seal of approval. We have two cats coming to Norwich with us – Ginger and Pickles. Let’s hope they get on.

What do you like doing in your spare time?

As a student of history, I try and keep up my writing, reading and research where I can. I also enjoy gardening so am looking forward to the Deanery garden. Playing the piano for relaxation is good, although my sight-reading of music leaves a lot to be desired.

Do you like football and, if so, are you a fan of the Canaries?

I’ve spent the last 14 years in Gloucester which is a rugby city. I’ve also discovered that if you search Google images for ‘dean of Norwich’ you either get a picture of Dean Jane at the Cathedral or Dean Smith at Carrow Road. I look forward to meeting the Canaries’ head coach in due course. We can compare notes on our two great Norwich institutions.