Blackburn Cathedral Announces Interim Dean
Canon Andrew Horsfall has agreed to act as Interim Dean during the time that the Dean of Blackburn is unable to fulfil his duties.
Andrew is well known in the Diocese as he has served for 20 years as Chaplain and Head of Chaplaincy & Spiritual Care Services East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust.
He is an experienced member of Cathedral Chapter and has been until recently Area Dean of Blackburn with Darwen. He has also been a strong supporter of parish life in East Lancashire, recently working alongside the people of St Oswald Knuzden.
Speaking of the appointment The Rt Revd Philip North, Bishop of Blackburn, said:
Andrew’s senior management experience, acute pastoral sensitivity and skills in the ministry of reconciliation, alongside his deep knowledge of Blackburn Cathedral, mean that he is the ideal person to take forward the essential work of reform that is needed in response to the recent INEQE Safeguarding Audit Report.
This appointment will be made subject to safer recruitment guidance and following the completion of important processes with the NHS .
Bishop Philip continues:
I am deeply grateful to East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust who have agreed to this part time secondment. Being able to bring a chaplaincy manager of many years’ experience into the senior leadership of the diocese strengthens the team greatly and also reaffirms our commitment to seeing our sector chaplains as key leaders in the mission and ministry of Blackburn Diocese.
Andrew will chair his first Chapter meeting as Interim Dean on the 16th of July and will join the Blackburn Diocese Vision and Strategy Team immediately.
