New Dean of Norwich announced

The Revd Canon Dr Andrew Braddock is to become the 40th Dean of Norwich. The announcement was made on Tuesday 6 September by Downing Street after Her Majesty The Queen approved the appointment. Canon Andrew, 51, is currently the Interim Dean of Gloucester and will take up the role of Dean of Norwich at the end of January. His appointment follows the retirement of the Very Revd Jane Hedges, the 39th Dean of Norwich, in May this year.

It is a welcome return to Norfolk for Canon Andrew who spent his first ten years of public ministry in the Diocese of Norwich. Ordained in Norwich Cathedral in 1998, he served his curacy in the parishes of Ranworth with Panxworth, Woodbastwick, South Walsham and Upton. In 2001, Andrew was appointed Rector of Cringleford and Colney, taking up the additional role of Rural Dean of Humbleyard in 2004.

In 2008, Andrew was appointed Diocesan Missioner in the Diocese of Gloucester and, in 2013, he became Canon Missioner of Gloucester Cathedral and Diocesan Director of Mission and Ministry. Andrew was commissioned as Interim Dean of Gloucester in April 2022.

On the day of the announcement, Canon Andrew and his wife Victoria visited Norwich and enjoyed spending time meeting members of the Norwich Cathedral community before attending Evensong at the Cathedral. Canon Andrew also visited Norwich City Council and spent time learning about the work of homelessness charity St Martins.

Canon Andrew said: “It is a joy to be returning to Norwich after a rewarding period of ministry in Gloucester. Norwich Cathedral is a remarkable place and one I have a deep affection for having been ordained in the Cathedral and shared in its life during my time in Norfolk. I look forward to building on all that has been achieved under Dean Jane’s leadership, continuing to develop the Cathedral’s Benedictine ethos as a place of Christian worship, welcome, learning and service at the heart of the city, county and diocese.”

The Rt Revd Graham Usher, the Bishop of Norwich, said: “I am delighted that The Revd Canon Dr Andrew Braddock is to be the next Dean of Norwich. Andrew will bring much to the life of Norwich Cathedral from his experience at Gloucester, as well as supporting the wider mission and ministry of the diocese. He has a strong record of supporting some of the most vulnerable in our society and I am sure will make a significant contribution to the life of the city. In many ways this is a returning home to Norwich, where he was ordained, served his curacy and first incumbency, and I look forward to welcoming him, Victoria and their children in the new year.”

The Revd Dr Peter Doll, Norwich Cathedral’s Vice Dean and Canon Librarian, and who is currently the Acting Dean, said: “The Chapter and cathedral community welcome Canon Andrew’s appointment to be Dean of Norwich. From his previous ministry in this diocese and at Gloucester Cathedral, he brings a lived experience and appreciation of Norfolk and of the distinctive rhythms of cathedral life. We look forward to working with him to deepen and broaden Norwich Cathedral’s witness and service to the diocese, city, and county.”

Canon Andrew will be installed as the 40th Dean of Norwich at a special service at Norwich Cathedral on Saturday 28 January 2023 at 2pm. In the meantime, Canon Peter will continue in the role of Acting Dean.

His Honour Stephen Holt, chair of the appointment panel on behalf of the Crown, said: “The panel was very conscious to try to find a new Dean who could take over from and drive forward the remarkable achievements of Dean Jane. We had the honour of seeing some excellent candidates, but Andrew took us by storm. His enthusiasm, drive and faith captured our hearts as well as our heads.

“He started his mission in Norfolk and now he is coming home to lead Norwich Cathedral. With his gifts and drive, we are sure he is the right person to guide the Cathedral on its continuing journey at the very heart of the Christian faith in Norfolk.

“Our beautiful Cathedral stands as a beacon in the beautiful county of Norfolk. Under Andrew’s leadership it will continue to develop its reputation for being a place of excellent worship, Christian development and of warm and generous hospitality.”

The Bishop of Gloucester, the Right Revd Rachel Treweek, said: “I am delighted that Andrew is to be the next Dean of Norwich, but he will be greatly missed by me, the senior staff team and the wider Diocese of Gloucester. It has been a joy and privilege to share in ministry with him over the past 7 years and he will be a blessing to the Cathedral and the Diocese as he returns to Norwich with his immense gifts, experience and insights. We will be holding Andrew, Victoria and their two children in our prayers as they prepare for the new chapter ahead.”

Canon Margaret Sheather, senior non-executive member of Gloucester Cathedral Chapter, said: “Canon Andrew has been a highly valued member of Gloucester Cathedral Chapter for almost a decade, and we are all delighted that he is to have this exciting new role. Andrew has brought both practical insights and theological wisdom to our discussions and he will be much missed. Over the last six months as Interim Dean, we have greatly appreciated his clear and thoughtful leadership skills during a challenging period of change. We will send Andrew on his way to Norwich with our warm good wishes and thanks for all he has done here, and look forward to seeing him flourish in a new setting.”

Canon Andrew has taken part in a short Q&A to introduce himself - read more below