Revd Dr Catherine Okoronkwo, a respected figure in the Swindon community, has been appointed by His Majesty the King as Residentiary Canon and Steward of the iconic St Paul’s Cathedral.
This prestigious role marks a new chapter in Cathy’s distinguished ministry, which has seen her make a profound impact in the Diocese of Bristol and beyond.
Cathy, who has served as Vicar of All Saints and St Barnabas in Swindon, will be responsible for the stewardship of people and resources at the Cathedral, playing a vital role in advancing St Paul’s mission to inspire and encourage others with the Gospel of Christ. As Canon Steward, she will join the Cathedral’s Chapter, the main governing body of the Cathedral.
The Bishop of London, The Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally, welcomed Cathy to the Diocese of London, praising her commitment to serving Christ and her local community. “Catherine’s experience and presence will bring goodness to the community in and around St Paul’s,” she said.
Cathy’s appointment has been met with widespread acclaim, with the Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol, and the Rt Revd Neil Warwick, Bishop of Swindon, expressing their delight at her new role. “We will miss her greatly here in the Diocese of Bristol,” they said, “but we look forward to seeing what goodness Cathy’s experience and presence will bring to the community in and around St Paul’s.”
Throughout her ministry, Cathy has been a passionate advocate for racial justice, working closely with the Bishop of Bristol to address the Church’s past relationship with the slave trade and challenge racism within the Church. Her installation as Canon Steward will take place at Evensong on Sunday, 8th September 2024.
In a statement, Cathy expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to serve at St Paul’s Cathedral, saying, “I am absolutely delighted at the privilege of joining in what God is doing at St Paul’s Cathedral at this exciting juncture of its story.”
She added, “My prayer is that my ministry at St Paul’s Cathedral would flow out of the fruits of God’s spirit… as I journey with many over the years ahead.”
