The Bishop has just published his review into recent scandals at the Cathedral and Dean Catherine Ogle has drawn the short straw. She’s retiring immediately, instead of in summer, but the heavy-handed Precentor remains in post.
Here’s the latest:
The Bishop of Winchester has today published his response (link here) to the Review he commissioned into events over recent months at Winchester Cathedral surrounding and subsequent to the departure of Dr. Andy Lumsden as Director of Music.
Bishop Philip said, “I am most grateful to the reviewers for the very thorough work they have undertaken. Whilst they have identified some significant failings in leadership and management that led the Cathedral into a period of crisis – a crisis only deepened by a hostile social media campaign – they also identified much to celebrate.
“Their recommendations to Chapter are clear, full and very helpful and I look forward to seeing them implemented in the months to come.”
At the same as the Bishop’s response was released, Dean Catherine Ogle issued the following statement:
“Following receipt of the Bishop’s Review, Chapter welcomes its conclusions and is fully committed to implementing the Review recommendations, many of which are already underway. However, after careful consideration I have, with Chapter’s agreement, decided I should hand over leadership responsibilities to Vice-Dean Canon Roly now rather than waiting for my official retirement on May 1.
“On behalf of Chapter, I would like to say sorry to everyone who has been hurt by the events of the last few months and although we must accept collective responsibility, I have decided – as its leader – to step aside now. There is a lot of work to be done in the coming weeks and months, so it makes sense that as Interim Dean, Roly can get things moving forward straight away.
“I will use the time to complete the handover of duties, to make sure there is a smooth transition before I officially retire.
“Despite recent difficulties, I will always treasure my time as Dean of Winchester and assure the Cathedral community of my prayers as the search for my successor gets underway. I’m now looking forward to spending time with as many people as possible in the Cathedral and wider community before marking my official farewell.
Bishop Philip added, “I wholly support Dean Catherine in handing over to Canon Roly now. I will always be grateful for the warmth of the welcome she has extended to all its congregations and visitors and Winchester Cathedral has flourished in so many ways under her caring and positive leadership. I look forward to joining everyone to celebrate Catherine’s ministry and to thank her for her devoted service.”
“I’m also very grateful indeed for Canon Roly stepping in as Interim Dean. He has my full support in doing so.”
Interim Dean Canon Roland Riem said: “I accept the role of Interim Dean at this juncture with mixed feelings, knowing that I am following a transformative, much-loved leader and a great ambassador for the Cathedral. On the other hand, I embrace the challenge of leading Chapter’s efforts in the next months to respond to the recommendations of the Review positively and generously, so that we can prepare the way for the leadership of a new Dean.”
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