Sheffield Cathedral will welcome three new Ecumenical Canons at a special Choral Evensong on Tuesday 11 November at 5.30pm, marking a joyful celebration of Christian unity across the city and region.
The service will follow the traditional pattern of Church of England Evensong but will feature musical contributions from across Christian traditions — including ancient chant from the Coptic Orthodox Church, the united choirs of St Marie’s Cathedral and Sheffield Cathedral, and uplifting Gospel praise from the Pentecostal tradition.
The appointment of Fr Christopher Posluszny, Pastor David Bussue, and Fr Mousa Roshdy reflects Sheffield Cathedral’s continuing commitment to fostering deep ecumenical relationships and honouring the shared mission of the Church to serve, witness, and work for peace together.
The New Ecumenical Canons
Fr Christopher Posluszny, Cathedral Dean at St Marie’s Catholic Cathedral, has devoted his ministry to pastoral care and inter-church collaboration. Reflecting on his appointment, he said:
“Ecumenical work and cooperation have been an important part of my ministry. Working together while respecting our differences is a vital part of effective evangelisation in a society where so many have yet to hear the Gospel and come to know Christ.”
Pastor David Bussue, Associate Pastor in the Church of God of Prophecy and Chief Executive of the Sheffield African Caribbean Mental Health Association, brings a wealth of experience in ministry and community leadership.
“True leadership is servant leadership,” Pastor David said.
Fr Mousa Roshdy, a priest of the Coptic Orthodox Church, has served communities across South Yorkshire for nearly two decades and continues to expand the Coptic mission in northern England. His ministry bridges cultures and generations, with services offered in Arabic, English, and Coptic.
A Symbol of Unity and Shared Witness
The Very Revd Abi Thompson, Dean of Sheffield, said:
“In welcoming these new Ecumenical Canons, we affirm that the Church’s mission is richer when we work, pray, and serve together across traditions. Sheffield Cathedral is a place for all people — and we are deeply blessed by the breadth of faith and fellowship represented here.”
The service will be open to all, inviting people of every denomination and background to come together in worship and thanksgiving.
Loving God, you call your Church to be a living sign of your Kingdom, proclaiming the good news of your love: unite us with those of every tradition, to work together for justice, peace, and reconciliation; through Jesus Christ, the Light of the World, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.