We hear that the Precentor, Andy Trenier, was listed to preside and preach at Winchester Cathedral this morning but has stood down. We hear also that employment lawyers have been consulted.
A long letter in the Hampshire Chronicle today lays out some of the concerns:
… Talk of fallings-out and tellings-off in public do not sit well with the people I know at the cathedral and they are, doubtless, exaggerations. Economies could be one reason. The choir has been down in numbers for some time and, although the pandemic was undoubtedly a factor and although long term problems, such as parental worries about boarding, will have played a part, it would seem that the cathedral prefers the route of austerity – cuts to salaries and personnel – rather another exacting campaign to raise the necessary funds.
Issues of diversity and inclusion have also been mentioned….
These explanations – costs and diversity – are only speculations, of course; but why is this so? It is because, so far at least, the cathedral officials have failed to offer any detail or to answer any questions. Such a proceeding must, inevitably, feed ‘social media’, nurture suspicions, and encourage speculation. Better, surely, to be open with all who love the cathedral and, best of all, to give iron-clad assurances to counter concerns about either economies or diversity.
Dr Andrew Thomson
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