About The Role
Following the appointment of Bishop Anthony Ball as Director of the Anglican Centre in Rome, the Crown intends to appoint a new Canon of Westminster. Subject to a formal decision by the Dean and Chapter, the successful candidate will occupy the office of Canon Steward, and it is anticipated that they will also hold the office of Archdeacon of Westminster.
This is a unique opportunity to serve in one of the most iconic and spiritually significant institutions in the country. Westminster Abbey stands at the heart of national life, a place of worship, pilgrimage, memory, and celebration. It is a royal church, a site of coronation and state occasions, and a living community of prayer and service.
We seek a Canon Steward who will bring exceptional pastoral sensitivity, theological depth, and a collaborative spirit to this collegiate community. The successful candidate will play a central role in shaping the Abbey’s welcome and hospitality for worshippers, pilgrims, and visitors, and will oversee its pastoral ministry and safeguarding responsibilities. They will also contribute to the governance of the Abbey as a member of Chapter and the Board, and may be invited to chair or serve on other committees.
The Canon Steward will have regular opportunities to lead worship and preach, particularly during three months of Canon-in-Residence duties each year, as well as on Sundays and Holy Days. Above all, we seek someone who will be nourished by and contribute to the common life of prayer and praise that defines our vocation.
The new Canon will have been for at least ten years a priest of the Church of England or of a Church in communion therewith. This post is subject to an occupational requirement.
We are committed to enriching the diversity of background, experience, and thought within the Abbey’s leadership. The interview panel will include representatives of the Crown and of the Abbey.
For further details please refer to the application pack.
About the Department
Canon of Westminster
The Canons of Westminster exercise responsibility as members of the Dean and Chapter and of the Board for defining and delivering the missional and strategic objectives of the Abbey. The Dean and Chapter is also accountable for putting in place effective governance arrangements for the Abbey under the provisions of its Statutes. The four Canons play a central role in the liturgical and community life of the Abbey and participate fully in the daily round of shared worship and prayer, which is coordinated by the Minor Canons under the oversight of the Dean.
Each of the four Canons undertakes three months of residence spread through the year, when they read the lessons at Morning Prayer and the first lesson at Evensong or Evening Prayer (and the second lesson if the Dean is not present), and either preach or appoint the preacher for Sunday Evensong, except on the few occasions in the year (e.g. Easter and Pentecost) when the Dean has responsibility for preaching. The Canon in Residence also takes responsibility for memorial wreath- layings, welcoming of distinguished visitors and other Abbey events as necessary. They are expected to be available at the Abbey during months of Residence, and Canons normally arrange among themselves to provide cover for days off and necessary absence.
Through the year, the Canons, with the Dean and other Abbey clergy, take their turn presiding at the daily Eucharist and presiding or preaching at sung Eucharists. They also participate in the rich programme of Special Services taking place in the Abbey (including St Margaret’s).
All members of the Abbey’s clergy share the privilege and responsibility of offering pastoral care to those living and working at the Abbey and exercising appropriate pastoral ministry to those coming to the Abbey as worshippers, pilgrims and visitors. This is coordinated by the Archdeacon, a supplementary office to which a Canon is appointed by the Dean and Chapter from time to time.
Each Canon occupies one of the four Principal Canonical Offices: the Treasurer, Theologian, Rector and Steward. In addition, a Canon serves as Sub-Dean, and others undertake Supplementary Offices as Archdeacon or Almoner. The Canons are supported in their work by the Canons’ Executive Assistant and Personal Assistant.
Advertising End Date: 20 Oct 2025
Proposed Interview Date: 06 Nov 2025