Third suspension at Lincoln Cathedral

THE Chapter Clerk of Lincoln Cathedral, William Harrison, has been suspended — relating to “procedural matters” — pending an investigation, a spokesperson for the cathedral said on Wednesday. “The Chapter Clerk is still in post; however, we can confirm that, as of this weekend [18 May], he has been suspended. We would like to make very clear that this investigation relates to procedural matters. The suspension is a neutral act, and we are unable to say more while investigations are taking place.” It comes weeks after the cathedral announced that the Dean and the Canon Chancellor had taken a leave of absence while a historic safeguarding matter, thought to involve vulnerable adults, is being investigated. The Bishop of Lincoln, the Rt Revd Christopher Lowson, was suspended last week.

C of E names new Head of Vocations

THE Ministry Division of the C of E has appointed the Assistant Curate at St Mary Magdalene’s, Reigate, in Surrey, the Revd Helen Fraser, as its new Head of Vocations, as part of its drive to increase the number of candidates for ordination (News, 21 August). Ms Fraser was responsible for discipleship, training, and vocations at St Mary’s. The director of the Ministry Division, Canon Mandy Ford, said: “Helen has an impressive track record, and her skills and abilities will be crucial in helping to build on this success.” The C of E has increased the number of candidates for ordination by 22 per cent in two years — almost halfway towards its national target of a 50 per cent by 2020.