N.b., while service as Dean of Montreal, Paul Kennington, was an outspoken supporter of gay marriage and used his own relationship with another man as an example of its probity and holiness.
The Bishop of Chelmsford has appointed the Very Reverend Paul Kennington as the Acting Dean of Chelmsford. He will start the role, when the Dean of Chelmsford, the Very Reverend Nicholas Henshall moves to become Parish Priest of St Thomas the Apostle, New Groombridge in the Diocese of Chichester early next year.
Paul was the Dean of Christ Church Cathedral, Montreal in Canada between 2010 and 2016 and currently serves as House for Duty Vicar of St Andrew’s Leytonstone in the Barking Episcopal Area. Before becoming Dean of Christ Church Cathedral, he served in parish ministry roles in the Dioceses of Oxford and Southwark.
Commenting on his appointment the Very Rev’d Paul Kennington said:
“I am delighted to accept Bishop Guli’s invitation to be the Acting Dean at Chelmsford Cathedral.
I am very much looking forward to working with the excellent teams and staff at the cathedral and continuing the legacy of Dean Nicholas in making the cathedral the Bishop’s church serving the whole diocese and the city in which it stands.
Cathedrals, by virtue of their physical and historical presence are superbly positioned to share joyfully outside their buildings what they celebrate inspirationally inside their walls, in worship, community and generous welcome.
As followers of Jesus we are called to proclaim by word and deed the faith God has in us, the hope we have in God and the love we have for one another.”
The Bishop of Chelmsford, the Rt Rev’d Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani said:
“It is good news for Chelmsford Cathedral and our diocese that the Very Rev’d Paul Kennington has accepted my invitation to become Acting Dean of Chelmsford. He brings a wealth of skill and experience from his time as Dean of Christ Church Cathedral in Montreal, as well as many years of service in local parish ministry, including in our own diocese. Working together with our Vice Dean, the Rev’d Canon Ivor Moody and the rest of the Cathedral Team, Paul will ensure stability during the forthcoming vacancy and help the Cathedral to continue its important role, serving parishes and communities across our diocese.”
Speaking about Paul’s appointment, The Vice Dean of Chelmsford Cathedral, the Rev’d Canon Ivor Moody said:
“I very much welcome Bishop Guli’s appointment of The Very Rev’d Paul Kennington as Acting Dean for the duration of the interregnum at Chelmsford Cathedral, until a new dean is appointed.
Paul joins us with vast experience as a former cathedral dean, and currently as vicar of St. Andrew’s Leytonstone.
I am looking forward to working together closely with him, and with ministerial colleagues, staff and volunteers to furthering the mission and ministry of Chelmsford Cathedral.”
The Very Rev’d Paul Kennington will start his role when the current Dean of Chelmsford, the Very Rev’d Nicholas Henshall departs early next year. He will remain in post until the vacancy is filled permanently. Paul will fulfil the role on a full time basis. He will continue to live in St Andrew’s Vicarage Leytonstone and, supported by colleagues, will offer oversight of the parish there. Accommodation will be provided for him to stay in Chelmsford when it is necessary to do so. Paul will also continue with his Diocesan Role leading the Deliverance Ministry Team.
