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A message from the incoming Dean

"As my train trundled over Rochester Bridge on my first visit to the town, I caught a glimpse of the beautiful west end of the Cathedral.  I had passed that way many times before while a student in Canterbury, but never before had I stopped to admire the building.

"Here is a statement, a beacon of both our faith and our heritage all wound up into one.  As I prepare to move to Rochester and to take up the role of Dean I am filled with admiration at those who have gone before me and left such a landmark.  This, of course, includes those who over the last 9 months have maintained its worship and mission and to all of them I say a very big thank you.

"This beacon provides us with an opportunity to proclaim the love of God for the whole of his creation in ways that are true to the Gospel and accessible to our neighbours.  As the Cathedral Mission Statement puts it "nurturing the radical hope of human flourishing in Jesus Christ". 

"We will do this by being open to those who come to their cathedral for whatever reason, being as this website suggests "an open-minded space".  As they visit this great place, it is my prayer that everyone will be touched by God and changed by their visit.

"Writing on my final day as Rector of Rugby, I ask you to pray for me as I move into this new role as I will most certainly pray for you as your journey of faith brings you into contact with this beautiful cathedral church."

Gala Concert to raise funds for the Michael James Music Trust

This concert (on Sunday 22 July 2012), in a building of profound significance to the performers, aims to raise a large donation for the Trust and to gather lots of friends together in Barry Ferguson's 70th year.

In her foreword to the Michael James Music Trust's 30th anniversary booklet Dame Janet Baker, a Patron, says:
"Encouraging and supporting the young is a supremely important duty, especially in times such as these...  The Trust has worked miracles for countless young musicians.  Long may it continue to do so."

The Trust has, to date, funded no less than 400 organ scholars; 350 instrumentalists and many singers.

Please find further details regarding this event on our Special Events page on this website.

Help restore zero VAT

The Acting Dean of Rochester, Canon Dr Philip Hesketh, has asked that you please support this petition to bring back zero rate VAT on alterations to listed Churches. Please click on the link below and sign the petition, it will make such a difference.

http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/32229

We the undersigned urge the Chancellor to reconsider the extension of the standard rate of VAT (currently zero rated) to alternations to listed places of worship. This will have the effect of penalising the Church of England's 12,500 listed cathedral and church buildings, almost entirely maintained by volunteers and voluntary giving, who are currently altering their buildings to make them suitable for use by the wider community. The extra cost this will impose will seriously threaten the continuation of such works. Extending the remit of the Listed Places of Worship Grants Scheme, with no additional funding, will go no way to mitigating this.  It merely means a shrinking pot will be stretched even further.