At Saturday Evensong, St Albans Cathedral was delighted to welcome five new honorary canons, installed by Bishop Alan in a special service that highlighted their dedication to the Diocese. The new canons are Chris Curtis, Chief Executive of Youthscape; The Revd Mike Jones, Vicar of St Mary’s Luton; The Revd Ysmena Pentelow, Vicar of St Mary Ware and Assistant Rural Dean of Hertford and Ware; The Revd Andy Thomas, Associate Minister of Holy Trinity Stevenage; and Professor Russell Cowburn, Professor of Experimental Physics at the University of Cambridge, who was installed as the third Canon Scientist.

The service was marked by solemn oaths of allegiance, obedience, and commitment to the Cathedral’s statutes, with music led by the Cathedral choir. The installation of these honorary canons recognizes their invaluable contributions to the life and ministry of the Diocese.

Speaking after the service, Revd Andy Thomas shared: “The Cathedral holds a very important place in my heart, having been confirmed and ordained there, so to be an honorary canon is both a joy and a privilege.”

Among the new canons, Professor Russell Cowburn’s appointment as Canon Scientist represents a significant step in the Cathedral’s ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between faith and science. His role encourages deeper dialogue and exploration of how scientific discovery can complement theological reflection. As part of this initiative, he will deliver an inaugural lecture at St Albans Cathedral on Wednesday 26 February titled ‘Invisible Wonders: Nanotechnology and the God of Creation’. The lecture will invite attendees to explore the hidden wonders of nanotechnology, offering a perspective on how science reveals the intricate beauty of creation.

St Albans Cathedral continues to serve as a centre of worship, learning, and community engagement, with initiatives like the Canon Scientist role reinforcing its commitment to intellectual and spiritual exploration. Professor Cowburn’s lecture promises to be a fascinating opportunity to delve into the wonders of the microscopic world and reflect on the divine presence in all aspects of creation.