A Fermanagh clergyman who will take on the role of Dean of Canterbury has spoke of the church’s responsibility to “whole communities, not just those who choose to worship in the church” .

The Very Reverend Dr. David Monteith will be installed as Dean of Canterbury at a service in Canterbury Cathedral on Saturday, December 17.

Dean David spoke with The Impartial Reporter about his new role, his time at Leicester Cathedral and the role of the church in communities.

Reflecting on his time at Leicester Cathedral, Dean David said: “I've been in Leicester for about 14 years. I first came as one of the canon at the cathedral with a responsibility for education and public engagement.

"For the past 10 years, I've been the Dean of Leicester. During my time, I was the one responsible for the reburial of [King] Richard III [whose remains were discovered in August, 2012]. "

Dean David recalled many high points in his ministry at Leicester including Royal visits, the multicultural nature of the city, and sporting highlights for Leicester City Football Club and Leicester Tigers, as well as raising £15 million for restoration works.

When he is installed in Canterbury, Dean David will be the 40th Dean of Canterbury, and the first Irish Dean of Canterbury.

Speaking about how the two cathedrals differ, Dean David said: “It’s a completely different scale of operation. So at the moment in Leiscester Cathedral, we have about 15 full-time staff, and 100 volunteers; in Canterbury, I will have responsibility for 250 staff, and 850 volunteers!

“It's the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, and for those in the Anglican Communion, it's the centre of the communion. It's a bit like as Rome is to the Catholic community, Canterbury is to the Anglican community.”

In addition, Canterbury Cathedral is designated as a World UNESCO heritage site, due to its historical, religious and archaeological significance.

Dean David spoke at length about the Church of England's responsibility “for whole communities, not just those who choose to worship in the church”.

One issue he highlighted was his desire to work with refugees. Canterbury is less than 20 miles away from Dover, which is currently seeing refugees, human trafficking victims and others crossing the English Channel daily, many at great risk.

Also acknowledging the ongoing cost of living crisis, Dean David said: “I'm very aware that we're heading into a very difficult economic time.

"There's a fair smattering of people in dire need, and I don't think the church can solve all those problems, but it can offer a sense of sanctuary and it can work together with other community groups, food banks and in various projects to offer people support and advice.”

Dean David will move to Canterbury with his civil partner, David. He acknowledges he is taking on a senior position in the Church of England as an openly LGBT+ person.

He said: “I think often in some of these roles, whether it's deans or bishops, sometimes they'll have been gay people, but they're not being open about it, whereas me and my partner decided we would be honest and straightforward.

"We hope that in a small way, for those who look forward to the church being a welcoming place for all, that it signals that God cares for everybody – including LGBT+ people in our communities – and that everybody can aspire to whatever they're being called to do.”

He continued: “Of course, not everybody agrees with this. I recognise that, and I want to be in conversation in relationship with those people, and to help learn together and discern our future together in this diverse church. It's made up of all kinds of people.”

Dean David believes his roots have shaped his approach to ministry. He said: “I'm really thankful for my roots in Fermanagh; I felt that my schooling set me up for life, in a way.

"I grew up in Irvinestown and in the Church of Ireland parish of Derryvullen North. When I was a teenager, Canon Victor McKeon, was rector, and he encouraged me a lot, and I’m thankful for what he did.

“I'm conscious that the way I go about my ministry is in a slightly different way than my English colleagues.

"I still take sort of pastoral approach to things, which I think is part of the legacy of what I grew up with, and the care and concern and just knowing people whether they go to church or not, it is part of so my Irish legacy.

"I'm really grateful for it, and draw on it deeply,” he added.