BRADFORD Council chief executive Kersten England has become a lay canon of Bradford Cathedral at a special ceremony at the weekend.

Ms England was one of eight people who were installed as canons on Sunday at the Choral Evensong led by the Bishop of Leeds, the Right Reverend Nick Baines.

The former chief executive for York has been a member of the Anglican church since 1977, a former member of the diocesan synod and has served on the Archbishop of York’s symposium on social issues.

In addition, the former CEO of the Scout Movement, Derek Twine, now the chairman of the Bradford Cathedral Council, was also made a lay canon.

Ms England said: “It's an honour to be asked to serve in this way I hope we can strengthen the partnership between the Cathedral and the Council to the benefit of all Bradford residents.”

She took up the chief executive role in Bradford in 2015, having previously worked for the authority as a director of policy for 12 years.

“What you have seen in front of you this evening,” the Rt Rev Baines told the packed congregation, “is not a weird ceremony.

“It’s a celebration and embracing of the huge riches of experience and perspective that each of these people bring to the life of the cathedral, to the cathedrals and this diocese.”

Six clergy were also installed as honorary canons at same the ceremony. There were: Mark Poulson, Paul Ayers, John Bavington, Jimmy Hinton, Andi Hofbauer and Arani Sen.

The Reverend Canon Mark Poulson is the Archbishop of Canterbury’s secretary for inter religious affairs and national inter religious affairs adviser for the Church of England.

Archdeacon of Leeds, the Venerable Paul Ayers, is originally from Bradford and has served as a parish priest in various parts of the diocese.

The Reverend Canon John Bavington grew up in Pakistan before becoming a church youth worker in England, and is now vicar of St John’s Church at Great Horton in Bradford.

The Reverend Canon Jimmy Hinton, who has also been a mission partner and teacher in Zimbabwe for nine years, was supported by members of the church in Bankfoot and West Bowling, who led African dancing following the service.

The Reverend Canon Andi Hofbauer was born and brought up in Germany and is now at St Aidan’s Harehills in Leeds.

The Reverend Canon Arani Sen, describes himself as born in Wakefield of Indian Hindu parentage and began his Christian journey as a student in London. He is currently installed as the vicar of Christ Church in Upper Armley.

Three new honorary chaplains were also licensed at the service: the Reverend Canon Dr Rod Anderson, the Reverend Helen Lealman, and the Reverend Canon Professor Myra Shackley.

Rt Rev Baines added at the ceremony: “We welcome honorary chaplains. Look at the experience. Look at what they bring to the ministry and life of this cathedral. Do you see the richness? Do you see how strong what we have done this evening is?

“The Church of England is being kicked all the time. It is always being knocked. And yet before you this evening you see the quality and the depth of experience and of wisdom that just these people bring. Remember that when you see the church getting a kicking!”