The Chapter of Worcester Cathedral is delighted that The Queen has approved the appointment of the Revd John Paul Hoskins as Residentiary Canon and Precentor in succession to Canon Michael Brierley.
John Paul is at present Priest-in-Charge of Winchcombe in the Diocese of Gloucester. Among his previous posts he has been a Minor Canon of Gloucester Cathedral and Chaplain to two Bishops of Gloucester.
Before ordination he was a Lay Clerk at Guildford and Durham Cathedrals. John Paul is married to Liz, who is a consultant ophthalmologist and who grew up in the Teme Valley, west of Worcester. They have a daughter Suzanna, who is 8 and the household also includes two border terriers.
John Paul said: “I’m enormously excited to be coming to Worcester as the new Precentor. Worcester Cathedral has a tremendous history of welcome and worship, with an outstanding musical tradition. I’m hugely looking forward to joining the Cathedral as part of a great community of prayer and praise to God.”
The Bishop of Worcester, the Right Revd Dr John Inge, says: “I am delighted that The Queen has approved the appointment of John Paul Hoskins as Precentor. He is a very gifted priest with a wealth of relevant experience. We look forward greatly to welcoming him.”
The Dean of Worcester, the Very Reverend Peter Atkinson, said: “With his pastoral and musical background, John Paul is highly qualified for the post of Precentor, and I’m thrilled that he is joining the Cathedral community.”
John Paul will be installed in late January.
