The Revd Canon Roxanne F. Eversley has been installed as Canon Librarian and commissioned as the first Dean of Cultural Diversity by The Bishop of Southwark, The Rt Revd Christopher Chessun, during a service held on Sunday 4 February 2024 at Southwark Cathedral.
Roxanne is the first person to be appointed to the new role of Dean of Diversity comes after a wide consultation – following the launch of the Southwark Anti-Racism Charter – about how cultural diversity might be better modelled across Southwark Diocese. The appointment embodies the Diocese’s commitment to building a church for all which reflects its diverse community and seeks to transform unjust structures of society.
Roxanne was ordained in June 2009. Prior to her installation, Roxanne was Priest-in-Charge of The United Benefice of South Norwood, Holy Innocents and St Mark.
In 2016, Roxanne joined the See of Woolwich Advisory Group on the invitation of Bishop Christopher and is also the Diocesan UKME Vocation Champion. She is also the Bishops Adviser on the Shared Discernment Process, Area Director of Ordinands, was previously a member of the (Diocesan) Bishop’s Advisory Group on Liturgy and, since 2017, has been Honorary Canon at Southwark Cathedral.
Speaking on her appointment, Roxanne said, “Since migrating to the UK, some 30 years ago, I’ve always worshipped in this Diocese – as laity in Kingston, Assistant Curate in Woolwich and an Incumbent in Croydon. After 10 years in South Norwood, it feels good to be taking up this Diocesan appointment which also serves to proactively contribute to a key objective of the Diocesan vision, to seek leadership that better represents the communities we serve. Having been a member of the wider Vocations Team over the years, I now look forward to continued and closer working relationships across the Diocese, as I continue to champion vocations from the Global Majority Heritage community and other under-represented groups.”
Bishop Christopher said, “I am delighted to have instituted and commissioned Roxanne Eversley as a Residentiary Canon and the first Dean of Cultural Diversity for the Diocese of Southwark. As such Roxanne will bring a strategic focus to supporting our rich cultural diversity and will be working closely with the Vocations Team.
“My prayers are with Roxanne so that she may flourish in encouraging vocations – building on our already integrated approach to representation and inclusion across ministries.”
