During 17.30 Evensong yesterday (Thursday, 17 November) the Dean of Jersey, The Very Revd Mike Keirle, and the Dean of Guernsey, The Very Revd Tim Barker, were welcomed into Salisbury Cathedral’s College of Canons as non-residentiary canons.

Earlier in the week the two Deans walked from Winchester Cathedral to Salisbury Cathedral, marking the change in oversight of their Deaneries from Winchester Diocese to Salisbury Diocese. Both Guernsey and Jersey already have strong links with Salisbury Cathedral. Flower arrangers from the islands regularly participate in the Cathedral’s flower festivals.

During Evensong conducted by The Right Rev Stephen Lake, Bishop of Salisbury, both Deans took their respective stalls in the Cathedral Quire, Faringdon (Jersey) and Grantham Australis (Guernsey). The service was attended by clergy from the Islands’ former Diocese, Winchester, and by civic representatives and clergy from the Channel Islands, including The Lieutenant-Governor of the Bailiwick of Guernsey, Lt Gen Richard Cripwell and Mrs Louise Cripwell, and His Excellency Vice Admiral Kerry Kyd CBE, Lieutenant-Governor of Jersey and Dr Karen Kyd

The Bishop of Salisbury, the Very Reverend Stephen Lake said:
“This is an important symbolic moment, giving visual identity to the new and happy relationship between the diocese and the Bailiwicks, set within the cathedral church we share. Mike and Tim are already valued colleagues, and it was a pleasure putting them in their place!”

The Dean of Salisbury, The Very Revd Nicholas Papadopulos said

“I look forward to building on the new relationship between the two Deaneries and the Cathedral now that they have become part of the Cathedral’s extended family of senior clergy and laity. We already have a strong relationship with both islands and this will cement it further.”


The Deaneries of Guernsey and Jersey are in the process of becoming attached to the Salisbury Diocese following recommendations made by the Archbishop’s Commission in October 2019.

For further information regarding the Cathedral, please contact Marie Thomas 07857 144691 email: m.thomas@salcath.co.uk. For further information regarding the Salisbury Diocese please email Director of Communications and Engagement, Rebecca Paveley rebecca.paveley@salisbury.anglican.org