The Venerable Jo Kelly-Moore, Archdeacon of Canterbury has been announced as the new Dean of St Albans, taking over from the Very Revd Dr Jeffrey John.

Dean Elect Jo said: "Cathedrals have so many roles: and, just like the cities they serve, on any given day within them, many different things happen.

"Above all, St Albans Cathedral is a place of welcome and engagement for all people whether they come to visit, learn, worship, volunteer, enjoy the magnificent historic building, pray, listen to a concert, see an exhibition, enjoy our grounds, or eat and drink in 'the Abbot's Kitchen'. I want to see all those roles continue to grow, develop and adapt to the world into which we are emerging as we get to grips with what we all hope will be a post-Covid world".

The Revd Dr Kevin Walton, Acting Dean said: "It is a very great delight to welcome Jo to the community of St Albans Cathedral as our new Dean, and we very much look forward to her contributing to the life, worship, and mission of this special place. Our prayers are very much with Jo and her husband Paul as she prepares to join us."

Prior to her ordination, Jo practiced as a solicitor in both New Zealand and London. Jo is an avid participant in Parkrun and hopes to participate in St Albans' Parkrun once she has settled in.

The Dean-Elect will be installed in the Cathedral to begin her ministry on Saturday 4 December. 

Watch the live stream of the announcement here: