In a new step for Sheffield Anglican Diocese, Fr Chris Posluszny, Dean at St Marie’s Catholic Cathedral, at the invitation of Right Rev Bishop Pete Wilcox, the Anglican Bishop of Sheffield, and the Very Reverend Abigail Thompson, Dean of Sheffield, was installed as an Ecumenical Canon for Sheffield Anglican Cathedral at a service on Tuesday 11 November. Two other Ecumenical Canons were installed at the same time; Pastor David Bussue, Associate Pastor at the Church of God of Prophecy, Sheffield, and Fr Mousa Roshdy of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the region.
In the Anglican tradition, canons meet regularly to discuss matters. An Ecumenical Canon, invited from a different faith tradition, holds more of an honorary role, perhaps contributing to certain matters or joining a particular event as a sign of the ecumenical efforts being made by churches working together.
“It is an opportunity for us to be working together as Christians despite our differences, a visible sign that we need to be united in proclamation of the Gospel”, Fr Chris pointed out. “It is especially important that we are working together and supporting each other in difficult circumstances where Christianity is in the minority.”
The celebration certainly showed evidence of good relations between the two Cathedrals, as St Marie’s Choir joined the Cathedral choir in singing the choral evensong. There was music also from Fr Mousa Roshdy and from the choir of the Church of God of Prophecy followed by refreshments and conviviality. The Dean of the Anglican Cathedral was delighted by the large congregation who attended to support the event, remarking , “We have more in common than that which divides us.
