Precentor Hereford Cathedral

Introduction

After 23 happy years our Canon Precentor is retiring, opening up this prestigious and rarely available post in a modestly sized and friendly cathedral that punches well above its weight in terms of its standards of liturgy and music and its participation as one of the Three Choirs of the renowned three choirs festival.

We seek a wise, grounded, musical and pastorally minded liturgist and colleague- capable of delivering creative formal liturgies for great occasions but called to deliver the best possible daily and weekly offerings of worship to God that are filled with loving purpose and touch the hearts and minds of those present.

If you want a label, we are warm liberal catholic in inclination and tradition using Common Worship and BCP and proud of our cathedral choir which is our musical mainstay but as a cathedral and microcosm of the Church of England we cater ‘around the edges’ for the wider Anglican traditions.

A cheerful and cohesive clergy team are hoping to find a grace-filled colleague who can laugh with us and facilitate the telling of God’s story through liturgy, music and fine preaching. But in today’s cathedral being an excellent priest and liturgist is not the whole story. You will also be able to operate at a strategic level in governance and in taking responsibility for the whole cathedral enterprise with Chapter and lay staff. There is no room here for those who simply want the status of cathedral life or to live in a musical ivory tower. Cathedrals are challenging and very hard-working environments and the right chemistry between colleagues and departments is essential.

If you relish the thought of a relational post that plays to your liturgical and musical strengths but offers challenges well beyond the church building, then please have a closer look at us.

Practical details:

Applications must be received via Church of England Pathways by 5 pm on Sunday 17 August 2025.

Shortlisted candidates will be informed and sent details of preparatory work for in person interviews by Friday 22 August 2025.

Interviews, briefings and voice trials will be held in person at Hereford Cathedral on Monday 8 September. Candidates are welcome to arrive at any time during the day on Sunday 7 September but are specifically requested to attend Choral Evensong at 3.30 pm. 

If you would like a short exploratory conversation with the Dean please contact Joanne Gibson, Chapter Administration Officer and Dean’s PA, by emailing joanne.gibson@herefordcathedral.org or calling 01432 374 252 to arrange a suitable time.

The Cathedral is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders are expected to share this commitment.

All appointments are subject to acceptable pre-appointment checks, including a satisfactory Enhanced DBS with Barred Lists check.

We are committed to equal opportunities and diversity in Hereford Diocese and welcome applications from all suitably qualified clergy. As UKME /GMH individuals are currently under- represented within our Diocese – we would particularly welcome applications from these candidates.