Reflecting on Three Years: Canon David's time at Lichfield Cathedral

As Canon David prepares to retire and to bid farewell to Lichfield Cathedral, his impact on the community stands as a testament to the Cathedral's core values of Hope, Hospitality, Healing, and Holiness. David’s final Sunday with us will be Sunday 21 April and we will be marking the occasion appropriately; giving thanks for his example of good stewardship and commitment to positive action.

Reflecting on his time at the Cathedral, Canon David shares, "It’s been a joy to be part of the Cathedral community over these last three years. From the outset, I have found our four core values - Hope, Hospitality, Healing, Holiness – to be inspirational."  These values provided the framework for his ministry, guiding his efforts to help the Cathedral  community grow in social action and inclusivity.

Recognizing the passion and dedication of the staff, volunteers, and congregation, Canon David embraced his role as a facilitator, amplifying the initiatives already underway within the community. "My role has often been to act as a spokesperson or contact point for what is already happening," he remarks

Issues related to the environment have been high on David’s list of priorities. "Early on I remember conversations with folks cycling to the Cathedral, but locking bicycles to railings wasn’t ideal," he recalls. In response, cyclists rallied together, and generous donations were given, leading to the installation of a bicycle rack on the Old Stable block—an example of collective action and responsiveness to community needs.

Under Canon David's guidance, the Cathedral is considering how best to increase biodiversity through the creation of a seasonal meadow and careful planting. "I have been greatly encouraged by the volunteer gardening team who work together to ensure that our grounds show forth the beauty of creation,” he explains. David has led on Eco initiatives such as iNaturalist data collection, Churches Count on Nature, and a ‘Lichen Talk and Walk’ to highlight the importance of monitoring signs of pollution in our surrounding area. These efforts, coupled with partnerships with organizations such as A Rocha UK and the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, have helped preserve and enhance the natural habitat surrounding the Cathedral. Lichfield Cathedral won its Silver Eco Church Award in September 2023 and has taken part in the Diocesan Churchyard Award Scheme, and RHS “It’s Your Neighbourhood”.

The involvement of Lichfield Cathedral School students in activities such as Forest School have further enriched the community's connection to nature, fostering a sense of stewardship among the younger generation. "Children and staff from Lichfield Cathedral Schools have brought extra energy with them on their Forest School," Canon David notes. Their participation in initiatives such as planting seasonal meadows and recording biodiversity in the grounds has ensured that the Cathedral remains a beacon of environmental stewardship and education.

As Canon David bids farewell to Lichfield Cathedral, he acknowledges that the ongoing care of the Cathedral grounds is not merely a practical endeavour but a spiritual one—a tangible expression of the community's commitment to Care for Creation. "Our ongoing care of the Cathedral grounds is a practical expression of our Care for Creation, providing a place where people can encounter the presence of God," he reflects. Through stewardship of the land, the Cathedral provides a sacred space where individuals can reconnect with the natural world and find solace in its beauty.

Canon David has also led on important social issues, helping the Cathedral become a Dementia-Friendly Church and holding regular Dementia-Friendly services. He has built an At Home in Lichfield team of staff and volunteers who have welcomed and provide ongoing support for a local refugee family.

The Interim Dean of Lichfield, Bishop Jan said, “We are very grateful indeed to David for the energy and enthusiasm he has brought to the Cathedral over these past three years. His passionate advocacy for good stewardship of the environment and for issues of Christian social justice have borne much fruit. We wish him and Alison every happiness in retirement.”