Popular Vicar of Peterborough to take up post in Wales

Canon Ian Black has been Vicar of Peterborough and a Residentiary Canon at Peterborough Cathedral since 2012.

His new appointment involves leading Newport Cathedral in its mission and ministry, and also becoming an integral part of the bishop’s leadership team in the diocese. St Woolos Cathedral is an ancient Christian site which has been a place of Christian prayer since the 5th century. Newport is a city undergoing significant regeneration today.

As Vicar of Peterborough, serving at St John the Baptist Church on Cathedral Square, Canon Ian has had close involvement with the civic life of the city and he is currently Chaplain to the Mayor. As Canon Residentiary of Peterborough Cathedral he not only takes a part in leading worship but is also part of Chapter, the Cathedral’s governing body. He has also served the diocese as Rural Dean of Peterborough for five years and has been a trustee of Light Project Peterborough.

Canon Ian said: “Peterborough is a vibrant city and (wife) Susan and I will take with us many happy memories of our time here. It has been a privilege to see St John’s grow as a centre of faith, culture and hospitality in the heart of the city.

"I am also pleased to see the Light Project develop a hub serving some of the most vulnerable people on our streets. It’s an honour to be asked to take on this new responsibility in Newport. We are also looking forward to getting to know that part of Wales better. St Woolos Cathedral has deep spiritual roots and I look forward to leading it as a vibrant house of worship, open and inclusive welcome and faithful and loving witness.”

The Very Revd Chris Dalliston, Dean of Peterborough, said: “Ian’s experience as Canon at Peterborough has given him considerable insight into the opportunities and challenges of Cathedral ministry, and his intelligence, depth of spirituality and commitment to collaboration have been important both at the Cathedral and as Vicar of Peterborough. We wish him well in his new role.”

The Right Revd Cherry Vann, Bishop of Monmouth in the Church in Wales, said: “I am delighted that Ian will be coming to join us here in Newport. Ian brings a wealth of experience from a wide range of contexts that will enrich the life of the diocese as well as the Cathedral. His current roles in the Church, City and Diocese of Peterborough equip him well for the ministry that awaits him here and I am very much looking forward to working with him.”

It is expected that Canon Ian and his wife Susan will move to South Wales after Easter, and he will take up his new post later in the Spring on a date yet to be decided.