The Diocese of Bristol is delighted to announce that Claire Garrett, Charles Wyld, Revd David Moore, Revd Dr Simon Taylor, Revd Richard McKay, Revd Dr Marcus Torchon and Rt Revd Raymond Veira will be installed as new Honorary Cathedral Canons during a service at Bristol Cathedral on 2 February 2025. They join other lay and ordained members as part of the Cathedral’s College of Canons.
The College of Canons is carefully selected and appointed by the Bishop of Bristol, the Rt Revd Vivienne Faull to play an integral role in the governance of the Cathedral, supporting its mission and ministry, with a mandate to act as "ambassadors" in fostering connections with the wider diocese and its churches.
Honorary Lay Canons
Claire Garrett
Claire was born in Staffordshire and grew up in Lincolnshire, moving to Swindon in 1986. After a nearly 30-year career with BT, she embraced a range of roles, including exam invigilator, school governor, and working for a charity supporting victims of trafficking. In 2018, she became CEO of The Harbour Project, a charity dedicated to supporting asylum seekers and refugees in rebuilding their lives in the UK. In 2021, Claire was appointed Deputy Lieutenant of Wiltshire, recognising her advocacy for the charitable sector and its role in fostering community cohesion.
Charles Wyld
Charles built his career as a lawyer with Burges Salmon in Bristol and has been deeply involved in the voluntary sector, particularly in the arts. He served as Chair of St George’s Bristol and currently chairs the Bristol Ensemble. As High Sheriff in 2019, he began working more closely with Bristol Cathedral, and in 2020, he was appointed Chair of the Cathedral’s External Advisory Group.
Honorary Clerical Canons
Revd David Moore
David and Toria Moore moved to Easton, Bristol, in 2007 with their young family, inspired by the teachings of Shane Claiborne. David, formerly a London vicar, retrained as a plumber while serving as a self-supporting Associate Minister at ECFC under Philip Nott. Alongside this, he helped establish a small intentional community hosting asylum seekers. In 2007, he became part-time Priest-in-Charge, guiding a dedicated congregation serving a diverse, multi-faith, and multi-ethnic local community, including many asylum seekers.
Revd Dr Simon Taylor
Simon was ordained in Bristol Cathedral in 2002 and 2003 and served as a parish priest in the Diocese for a decade. After seven years in the Diocese of Derby, he returned to Bristol to take up the role of Director of Mission and Ministry Support. Simon is an author, a fan of live music and good food, and an avid follower of Doctor Who.
Ecumenical Canons
Revd Richard McKay
Richard was ordained in 1972 for the RC Diocese of Clifton and has spent most of his ministry in Bristol. He served for 19 years at Christ the King Parish in Knowle West and 28 years at St Nicholas of Tolentino Parish in the inner city. A champion of safeguarding, he contributed at diocesan and national levels from 1993 to 2022. Richard played a central role in establishing faith-based community organising in Bristol and was a founder of Borderlands Charity, supporting refugees and asylum seekers. He believes passionately in a united, diverse, and prophetic Church working together for justice, peace, and equality.
Revd Dr Marcus Torchon
Marcus is a Minister and Chair of the Bristol District of the Methodist Church. Married to Sylva, with a son, Jean-De-Luc, Marcus embodies dynamic and empathetic leadership, fostering collaboration in mission across church and society. His vision is rooted in embracing diverse gifts and talents to build strong, mission-focused communities.
Rt Revd Raymond Veira
Bishop Ray committed his life to God at 21 and has spent over 30 years in ministry, serving as Assistant Pastor, Care Group Leader, Sunday School Teacher, and Senior Pastor. Now Regional Presiding Bishop Overseer in the South West, he emphasises partnerships between churches to present Christ’s message in contemporary and meaningful ways. Active in the local community, Bishop Ray chairs Nilaari, serves on the COGOP (UK) Board of Executives, and is a member of the Avon & Somerset Police Advisory Committee. Married to Jeannette for over 30 years, they have two sons, two daughters-in-law, and three grandchildren.