In 2015, Edinburgh Diocesan Synod approved changes to its Cathedral statutes, which allowed greater flexibility in the appointment of Honorary Canons. Following consultation with the Cathedral Chapter, the Rt Rev Dr John Armes, Bishop of Edinburgh announced to this year’s Diocesan Synod (12 March), the appointment of six new Honorary Canons. These included, for the first time ever, the appointment of Honorary Lay Canons. The first two recipients of this office are David Palmer, Diocesan Secretary and former Convener of the Provincial Standing Committee, and Helen Hood who, until recently, was Convener of Action of Churches Together in Scotland.
Four Honorary Canons were also appointed: Rev Carrie Applegath, Rev Marion Chatterley, Rev Professor Paul Foster and Rev Canon Fred Tomlinson.
In announcing the appointments Bishop John said “we agreed to change our Cathedral Statutes so that we would have more flexibility in who and how many people might be appointed as Honorary Canons. This wasn’t intended to be the precursor to appointing broadsides of new canons so that eventually everyone is a canon! It was intended to allow me to honour, on behalf of the diocese, those people who’ve served the Church in distinguished and significant ways, whether within the Scottish Episcopal Church or in the broader life of the Church.”
