CLERGY who hold the title prebendary of St Paul’s Cathedral can maintain the title in retirement only if they have an active licence or permission to officiate (PTO) and an entry on the National Register of Clergy, the Bishop of London, the Rt Revd Sarah Mullally, confirmed last week.

In a statement, a spokesperson said: “The role of Prebendary, which is in the Bishop of London’s gift, has recently been reviewed by the Bishop in coordination with the Dean of St Paul’s. The aim of this has been to strengthen safeguarding practices and to ensure that all public ministry is conducted under appropriate episcopal oversight.

“The gift has now been made conditional for ordained Prebendaries: an individual must have an active licence or permission to officiate, and an entry on the National Register of Clergy, in order to be styled Prebendary. All those affected by the change have been written to personally by the Bishop of London, thanking them for their faithful and valued service to the diocese of London over the years.”

The change was highlighted in a letter to the Church Times from the Revd Graham Claydon, who served in the diocese for 36 years before retiring in 2007. He had PTO in Chichester diocese from 2012 to 2017. He was made Prebendary of St Paul’s Cathedral in 1992.

Having received a letter from the Bishop of London removing his title of Prebend Emeritus, he wrote: “Am I alone in wondering whether she has the authority to do this?”

Historically, a “prebend” was the stipend assigned to a cathedral canon or member of Chapter, along with their own stall in the cathedral. A prebendary was the priest in possession of the post, which was often lucrative. Most posts were abolished after the Dissolution, but, in some Cathedrals, the title was retained as the equivalent to an honorary canon.

In London, prebendaries are appointed by the Bishop of London after consultation with the Dean of St Paul’s, in recognition of their work in the diocese. Part of the Greater Chapter of St Paul’s, they are each given their own stall in the quire, are invited to preach once a year, and are given a portion of the Psalms to recite each day. Three new prebendaries were announced this month.

Letter