The Revd Canon Philip Banks has been appointed by His Majesty The King as Residentiary Canon and Precentor of St Paul’s Cathedral.
In his new role, Philip will be responsible for leading, overseeing and managing Liturgy, Worship and Special Events. As Canon Precentor, Philip will be a member of the Cathedral’s Chapter, the main governing body of the Cathedral, supporting St Paul’s with its mission, outreach, governance and operations.
Welcoming Philip to the Diocese of London, the Bishop of London, the Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally, commented:
“With a breadth of experience across the Church of England and as someone who has implemented long-lasting change at St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Philip is well-placed to take on the role of Canon Precentor at St Paul’s. Philip has not only supported his churches in spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ but has brought together different parts of these communities with his courage and wisdom, and I look forward to seeing him do the same at St Paul’s.”
Dean of St Paul’s, the Very Revd Andrew Tremlett, added:
“Philip will play a vital role at St Paul’s, advancing the Cathedral’s mission and inspiring others, through worship, music or special events. His personal commitment to serving Christ and the work he has done to support the community around the Cathedral in Suffolk will make him an excellent colleague at St Paul’s in the role of Canon Precentor.”
Philip is Chair of the National Precentors’ Network and joins St Paul’s from St Edmundsbury Cathedral in Suffolk where he has been Residentiary Canon and Precentor for over 12 years. During his time at the Cathedral, he has led and overseen the establishment of girl choristers, a graduate and post-graduate organ scholar programme and the Cathedral’s ‘Singing in Schools’ initiative. Coupled with this, he has helped arrange a weekly all-ages service, which brings in young children all the way through to octogenarians.
Prior to this role, Philip served as Bishop’s Chaplain and Press Officer in Essex. He has been ordained for 30 years, serving in a variety of parochial roles and as Area Dean. Before ordination Philip had a career as a Chartered Surveyor.
Philip’s installation will take place on Sunday 5th October.
The Revd Canon Philip Banks commented:
“Cathedrals are extraordinary places of encounter, speaking of God’s transcendent presence in stone, wood and glass. They are also communities of living stones, journeying together to the Kingdom. It is my privilege to be appointed to serve as a Residentiary Canon at St Paul’s, unique amongst Cathedrals, and to have a hand in shaping the worship of the Cathedral as it seeks to serve the Diocese, city and nation, and its role as an international icon of Christ’s inclusive heart of love.
“Having established girl choristers in St Edmundsbury Cathedral, I am delighted that on Sunday St Paul’s welcomed girls’ voices into their Cathedral Choir for the first time. I look forward to seeing them flourish, and supporting further work like this at the Cathedral.”