The Rt Revd Dr Michael Ipgrave, Bishop of Lichfield, recognised ten people for their contribution to the life of Lichfield Diocese during Evensong at Lichfield Cathedral on Sunday, 26 January.
Ecumenical Canon
Of these ten, one, the Very Revd Canon Brian McGinley, Dean of St Chad’s Roman Catholic Cathedral Birmingham, was installed (literally placed in his seat) in Lichfield Cathedral as an Ecumenical Canon. He will continue to promote and deepen relations between Lichfield Cathedral and other Christian denominations in the area covered by the diocese, The Black Country, Staffordshire and North Shropshire.
Honorary Canon
Another of the ten, The Revd Prebendary Ben Whitmore was welcomed as an Honorary Canon of the Cathedral following his collation as Canon Missioner for the Diocese of Lichfield last week and the beginning of his ministry as Interim Minister in Wednesbury last Sunday.
Prebendaries
The other eight, from all across Lichfield Diocese from Wem to Stafford and Tutbury to Walsall, were installed as Prebendaries of Lichfield Cathedral. Prebendaries are honorary posts which recognise substantial contributions to the life of the church in Lichfield Diocese. The Bishop appoints them after consultation with the Dean of Lichfield. They are instrumental in maintaining close links between the Cathedral and the parishes of the diocese.
Lambeth Cross for Ecumenism 
Alongside the ten, an eleventh person, Robert Mountford, Ecumenical Officer for Birmingham, the Black Country and Staffordshire, was also be recognised for his contribution to relations between Christian denominations in this part of the country, with a national award. He received the Lambeth Cross for Ecumenism, in the gift of the Archbishop of Canterbury. Bishop Matthew of Stafford presented the award. The citation for Robert’s award reads: “For his outstanding contribution to the revitalisation of ecumenical relations in Staffordshire, Birmingham and the Black Country.”
The full citation can be read below.
The eight new prebendaries are:
- The Revd Jim Trood: Rector of Walsall St Matthews and Acting Archdeacon of Walsall
- The Revd Catherine Brumfitt: Rector, Bradeley, Church Eaton, Derrington and Haughton and Rural Dean of Stafford
- The Revd Adam Clayton: Rector, Myddle with Broughton, Loppington and Newtown, Minister in Charge, Shawbury Benefice, Minister in Charge, Stanton-on-Hine, Minister in charge Moreton Corbet, Rural Dean, Wem and Whitchurch
- The Revd Robin Trotter: Curate in Charge, Burton upon Trent St Modwen and Rural Dean, Tutbury
- The Revd Julia Cody: Team Rector, Smestow Vale Team, Rural Dean of Trysull and Acting Archdeacon, Walsall
- The Revd Gilbert David: Team Vicar, Darlaston and Moxley
- The Revd Mary Thomas: Vicar, Albrighton, Boningale and Donnington, Asst Rural Dean Edgmond and Shifnal and Acting Archdeacon, Salop
- The Revd Linda Cox: Rector, Baschurch and Weston Lullingfield with Hordley and Rural Dean of Ellesmere.
Speaking about the ceremony on Sunday, at the end of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, The Rt Revd Dr Michael Ipgrave, Bishop of Lichfield said:
“Cordial relations between churches are vital to showing the world that the one Church of Jesus Christ is based on love, and we are particularly reminded of that in the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Welcoming Canon Brian, if I may call him that, to this additional role as an Ecumenical Canon at the same time as honouring Robert Mountford’s work underlines that.
“It is also a joy to recognise the gifts and dedication that are present in Canon Ben and these eight new Prebendaries. They have used their gifts to build up the church and the community and this recognition reflects their promise to share their gifts even more widely. That is something to celebrate.”
Robert Mountford said:
“I am humbled and honoured to receive the Lambeth Cross for Ecumenism. I count it an enormous privilege to be able to ‘join the dots’ between Christian leaders, local congregations and Churches across the West Midlands. In the year in which the worldwide Church marks the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea, which gave us the still-used and much-loved credal statement concerning the nature of Christ, we are reminded of our essential unity in Christ, which is far more important than the things which keep us apart.”
Canon Brian McGinley said: “It is my prayer that, through accepting this invitation to become an Ecumenical Canon of Lichfield Cathedral, the unity of Christians might become more of a reality in our day. Jesus prayed for that when he said: “May they all be one”. As Dean of you sister cathedral, sharing the veneration of St Chad, I also follow this call in St Chad’s footsteps.”
Lambeth Cross Citation for Robert Mountford
For his outstanding contribution to the revitalisation of ecumenical relations in Staffordshire, Birmingham and the Black Country
It is very hard to mention a Christian leader or congregation in the West Midlands whom Robert Mountford does not know well. His encyclopaedic knowledge, boundless energy and gift for networking, make him a highly effective County Ecumenical Mission Officer for Staffordshire and the Black Country, a role he has occupied with great distinction since 2015. Not content with such a wide brief, in 2020 Robert accepted the post of Ecumenical Development Enabler for Birmingham and Solihull. In these two roles, he has revitalised ecumenical relationships in the region, making new connections, facilitating fresh conversations between church leaders and encouraging ecumenism at the local level, all with wisdom and generosity. He has coordinated the Thy Kingdom Come initiative, led ecumenical pilgrimages and brought senior church leaders in the West Midlands together in annual post-Covid summits. An expert in the area of Pentecostal Christianity, he is adept in drawing the newer streams of Christian churches into a fruitful relationship with the ‘historical denominations’ whilst also fostering good relationships with the growing number of Orthodox churches in the region.
Robert is also passionate about his native Stoke-on-Trent and through his City Vision Ministries organisation has brought Christian leaders in the city together through the 2C7 and Connect gatherings. He co-organises the annual Civic Prayer Breakfast - one the largest of its kind - which brings together civic and community leaders with over 350 Christians from all denominations. He has written and spoken extensively on the complex social and spiritual history of Stoke-on-Trent, making a lasting contribution to the City’s understanding of itself.
Because of his warmth, integrity, and commitment, he has the confidence of leaders across the ecclesiastical spectrum in a way no one else in the region can quite command and this has led to real, positive change.
Photos: Phil Barnes/Lichfield Cathedral Photographers