Each year, The Lord Bishop of St Albans The Right Reverend Dr Alan Smith has the opportunity to affirm publicly the ministry and mission of a small number of clergy and laity in the Diocese by offering them an honorary canonry.
Canonries of the Cathedral are largely an honorary title and are awarded in recognition of long and dedicated services to the Diocese, to the Church and to the wider community.
The Lord Bishop of St Albans The Right Reverend Dr Alan Smith wrote in his letter dated 10th October 2022 to David Jonathan (Johny), Director GRASSROOTS, Luton Council of Faiths and Luton Near Neighbours Programme;
“I feel that the contribution you have made to the life of the diocese, the church and the wider community makes you a very worthy and deserving recipient of a canonry.”
At the Canon-making ceremony held at Evensong in the St Albans Cathedral on Saturday 26th November 2022 at 4pm, Johny was made a Canon.
Johny said, “I had never even thought of anything like this and to be honest I still do not understand what it actually means but I am grateful and humbled to be acknowledged in this way too.”
Thanking the Diocese and Bishop Alan, the Trustees, Staff and Volunteers of GRASSROOTS, Luton Council of Faiths and Near Neighbours Programme send their warmest greetings and heartiest congratulations to Johny, assuring him of their continued support, prayers and blessings.
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Some of the messages can be read below;
“I will add my own warmest congratulations on this news and I will be with you on 26 November as I am a Canon also! This recognition by the Diocese of your work is wonderful and just another long line of testimonies to what an impact your work has made. Hearty congratulations again!”
The Reverend Canon David Lawson, Chair, GRASSROOTS Luton
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I am delighted to know that the Diocese of St Albans has invited you to be a Lay Canon. I extend my heartiest congratulations to you on this important recognition accorded to you. I agree and associate with Bishop's remarks that you are a deserving person for this honour.
Professor Zafar Khan, Chair Luton Council of Faiths
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You are a treasure to the world of peace-building. Few live out their beliefs and convictions. Few live out their passions. Few match their heart and mind. Few persist as you do. Few have your humility and generosity. God and the people who watch you at work will only recognize you more for all that you are and do. Keep going far and bring people in multitudes to where you travel. You have taken the road less travelled, into paths unknown, even to you, only because you have dared mission in a different way. God bless you. My love and blessings to you.
Dr Ranjan Solomon. Badayl Founder/Director. Consultant for organizational transformation vis-à-vis justice and human rights
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