Fond Farewell to Dean Adrian Dorber
The Very Rev’d Adrian Dorber, Dean of Lichfield will be retiring on 31 March 2023, following seventeen and a half years in the role. The Cathedral and the wider community wish to give thanks for his commitment and creativity during his tenure.
During his time, Dean Adrian has made an enduring impact on the Cathedral and its community. His energy and creativity have brought about innovative art programmes, icon projects, restoration of the famous Herkonrode Glass and, most recently, the reinstatement of the Shrine of St Chad.
He has been a staunch advocate for Cathedrals, taking on the chairmanship of the Association of English Cathedrals (2015-2022), the National Cathedrals Conference (2018, 2022), and the group that produced the report ‘Spiritual Capital – the present and future of English Cathedrals’. Dean Adrian has worked to raise the profile of Cathedrals nationally and help Cathedrals understand the vital role they play as beacons of faith, offering hope and hospitality to those in need, and being places for pilgrimage and prayer.
His service will leave a legacy that has put the work of the Cathedral at the heart of local community, helping as vaccination clinic during the COVID-19 pandemic, offering events for all such as The Great Exhibition and Christmas light shows, and in 2022, becoming a Healthy Healing Hub.
He has also spent much time working towards building better ecumenical relationships, becoming an Ecumenical Scholar at Tantur Ecumenical Institute in 2012, and making a way for the translation of the relic of St Chad and the reinstatement of the Shrine of St Chad to its original location at Lichfield Cathedral.
At the very heart of Dean Adrian’s ministry has been his enthusiasm for the gospel, sharing the message of love that Christianity has at its core, and teaching followers to walk in the example of Christ.
The Dean’s last Sunday at the Cathedral will be Sunday 19 February when a thanksgiving service will be held at 15:30.
There will be a number of opportunities for people to express their best wishes to Dean Adrian.
- A Book of Thanksgiving will be available in the Cathedral until 18 February during usual visiting hours. Messages can also be left online at www.lichfield-cathedral.org/deanadrian until 18 February.
- Lichfield and Walsall Archdeaconry Society will be ringing a Peal of Bells dedicated to Dean Adrian on Saturday 18 February 13:30-16:30 – 3 hours of bells ringing out across city in recognition Dean Adrian’s service to Lichfield and the Diocese. Books of Thanksgiving will be available to sign during the peal of bells inside the Cathedral.
- Collection for a retirement gift will be open for contributions. Cash (notes) or cheques payable to ‘Lichfield Cathedral’ in an envelope clearly marked ‘Dean Adrian’s leaving gift’. Envelopes can be put in any of the donation boxes in the Cathedral or handed in at the Chapter Office, 19A the Close (next to Bistro 19).
Following Dean Adrian’s retirement on 31 March, The Right Reverend Jan McFarlane will take on the role of Acting Dean of Lichfield until a new Dean of Lichfield is appointed.
Bishop Michael Ipgrave said: “Adrian has served the cathedral, the wider community of Lichfield and our diocese with great commitment, faith and passion for the past 17 years and we will be sad to see him leave but happy for him in his well-earned retirement. We look forward to celebrating Adrian’s time in Lichfield on 19 February.”
“I am very thankful to Bishop Jan for agreeing to be Acting Dean while the process to find Adrian’s successor gets underway.”