Welcome to our new Honorary Canons!

We’re delighted to announce that the Bishop of Leeds has appointed two new honorary canons for Wakefield Cathedral: the Revd Ben Rhodes, Head of Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, and the Revd Hugh Baker, Vicar of Mirfield and Joint Area Dean of Dewsbury and Birstall. Ben and Hugh will become members of the College of Canons of the Diocese of Leeds, a body of ordained and lay people who offer their wisdom and experience in support of the ministry of our three cathedrals.

Commenting on his appointment, Ben said “I am humbled and delighted to be asked by Bishop Nick to be a honorary canon of Wakefield Cathedral.  I look forward to collaborating with Dean Simon and the wider Chapter in the mission and ministry of the Cathedral. As a chaplain in the NHS I deeply value the Church’s ministry of healing and wholeness; I know at times of change and challenge in life many look to Wakefield Cathedral as a place of sanctuary.” Hugh, who has served in parish ministry in the historic Diocese of Wakefield and (since 2014) in the Diocese of Leeds for nearly twenty-five years, said “I am looking forward to serving as an Honorary Canon at Wakefield, a Cathedral that has a place close to my heart.” Commenting on the appointments, Dean Simon said: “I am thrilled that the Bishop has appointed Ben and Hugh as Honorary Canons. They will bring to the College of Canons deep experience of ministry in parish and chaplaincy settings and I look forward to working with them.”

Ben and Hugh will be formally ‘collated’ (or licensed) by the Bishop and installed in their seats in the chancel by Dean Simon at a special service on Sunday 08 October at 15.30. All are welcome.