Matthew Ambler installed as an Honorary Lay Canon at Ripon Cathedral on Sunday 30 January 2022.
WHAT IS AN HONORARY LAY CANON?
The word "Canon" is an honorary title. It is granted by a diocesan Bishop to both clergy and lay persons who have served the church faithfully for a number of years and are worthy of respect for such service.
Since the Latin word canonicus means "law" or "rule" it may be assumed that the life of the person who holds the title is a standard or rule that others would do well to copy.
In the early history of the church Canons were priests who shared a home and followed a "rule" or pattern of daily life. Later the word referred to clergy who were part of the life of a great cathedral. They helped to administer the cathedral and would elect certain church officials. Nowadays, in the Anglican church, there is still a slight connection with the local cathedral, where a Canon might be obliged to attend a meeting once a year, but primarily the title is an honorary one with little or no duties attached.
Anglican canons are entitled to wear a distinctive style of cassock. The basic black of the vestment is trimmed with red satin: there are red buttons, a red cincture (girdle worn around ecclesiastical garment), and the short upper cape has a red lining.
Matthew said of his installation, "It is an honour to be installed as an Honorary Lay Canon of Ripon Cathedral during this its 1,350th Anniversary year. This role will see me serving as an ambassador for the Cathedral within the Diocese, and the opportunity to work as part of the College of Canons across our three co-Cathedrals in Bradford, Ripon and Wakefield - with both clergy and lay colleagues to further our common mission in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ across our Diocese."
Matthew was supported at the service by family and friends, including 3 godparents. Also in attendance were some of Matthew's colleagues from Diocesan Synod and Malcolm and Olga attended from St. Barnabas Church, Crosland Moor.
The service was recorded and can be seen shortly on the Ripon Cathedral You Tube channel.
please click on the link below to see the service:
youtu.be/V0eZETdlLAA
CONGRATULATIONS MATTHEW. WE HOPE YOU HAD A SPLENDID DAY, A DAY TO TRULY REMEMBER.
