12/01/2025
A message from the Very Revd Andy Bowerman, Dean of Bradford:
"This morning at the Cathedral we announced the news that the Revd Pete Gunstone has been appointed, by the acting Bishop of Carlisle, as a Residentiary Canon and Precentor of Carlisle Cathedral.
"We offer Pete our warmest congratulations on this news. He has served us with generosity, skill and grace and we are very grateful.
"He will be continuing in his role of Minor Canon for Worship and Nurture here at Bradford until a finish date is announced, ahead of his licensing on Sunday 15th June at 3pm in Carlisle.
"In the meantime do please join me in congratulating him, and in praying for him and Kersten as they begin to plan for the transition."
We are delighted to announce the appointment of a new Residentiary Canon and Precentor.
The Acting Bishop of Carlisle, The Right Revd Rob Saner-Haigh, has appointed The Revd Peter Gunstone as a Residentiary Canon and Precentor of Carlisle Cathedral. Pete is currently serving as Minor Canon for Worship and Nurture at Bradford Cathedral, following a curacy at the Fountains Church, a new Resource Church in Bradford City Centre.
In his new role, Pete will be responsible for leading, overseeing and managing Worship, Liturgy and Congregational Life. He will be a member of the Cathedral’s Chapter, the main governing body of the Cathedral, as well as being fully involved in the operational life of the Cathedral as a member of the Senior Management Team.
This appointment is subject to the usual legal checks.
Welcoming Pete to the Diocese of Carlisle, Bishop Rob commented: “We are delighted that Pete has accepted the invitation to take on this important role at Carlisle Cathedral. We look forward to welcoming Pete and Kirsten to the diocese and I am excited about all that they will bring to our life, worship and witness here.”
The Dean of Carlisle, The Very Revd Jonathan Brewster, added “We very much look forward to welcoming Pete to Carlisle as Residentiary Canon Precentor, a role which includes building on the strength and diversity of our worshipping communities and nurturing disciples of Jesus Christ. Pete brings with him the experience of both cathedral and parish ministry and a diverse appreciation of musical worship.”
The Revd Pete Gunstone commented “Kirsten and I are delighted to be moving to Carlisle after six very happy years serving in the Diocese of Leeds. During that time, it has been a privilege to be a part of the planting of Fountains Church Bradford and the continuing ministry of Bradford Cathedral, the newest and oldest Christian communities in Bradford. I look forward to getting to know the people of Carlisle and Cumbria, to inhabiting the Augustinian rhythms of the Cathedral community, and to joining with you in the adventure of following Jesus Christ today.”
The Bishop of Leeds, The Right Revd Nicholas Baines, also added “I regret very much that we will be losing Pete from the Diocese of Leeds. He is remarkable and I commend him strongly for his new ministry in Carlisle.”
Pete’s Installation will take place in Carlisle Cathedral at Evensong on Trinity Sunday, 15th June 2025 at 3.00pm.
