Sarah Brown appointed as new Dean of Hereford

The Queen has confirmed the appointment of The Revd Canon Sarah Brown as the next Dean of Hereford.

Her nomination was announced by Downing Street this morning, and she will take up her role in the autumn of this year.

This is a significant appointment for the Church of England in Herefordshire and South Shropshire. It is also the first time in the 1,300 year history of the diocese that a woman has been appointed to the role of Dean.

“It is a cliché to say that ‘I am humbled by this appointment’ but it is true. This is not modesty on my part but when I remember who I was when I first started on the Christian path I can only reflect with awe upon what God is capable of. To find myself following in the footsteps of Michael Tavinor as Dean of Hereford is both a privilege and a slow-growing miracle!”

Sarah came to faith in her late twenties and describes how she first encountered God in her village church where she joined the choir.

She explains: “It was here that I discovered the power of church music, the care of a Christian community, the teaching of a wonderful rural vicar and finally, in utter astonishment which persists to this day, the disarming love and forgiveness of God. “

She describes how that forgiveness finally “freed” her to set out on a new path of adventure in Christ’s service. “If the God of Creation has led me to this point, then I know that he can transform literally any person and any set of circumstances, to bring new life - and I find that amazing.”  

Sarah is currently Canon Missioner at Peterborough Cathedral in the diocese of Peterborough where she has spent most of her adult life. 

The Rt Revd Richard Jackson, Bishop of Hereford said: “I am delighted to welcome Sarah as the next Dean of Hereford. This is the second senior appointment in our Diocese since I became Bishop in 2020 and I am delighted to welcome her to the diocese.

“As we plan for the future of the Church of England in Herefordshire and South Shropshire, my hope and prayer is for a healthy, growing and vibrant community of Christians of all ages who can confidently share their love of Christ with others.  Sarah is a key part of helping bring that vision to life. She has a heart for pastoral ministry with a vision for mission, a rare combination of gifts and I am excited to see how God uses her in her role as Dean.”

Sarah will be installed a Dean of Hereford at a special service which will take place in Hereford Cathedral later this year.