Eternal GOD, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, and no strength known but the strength of love; GUIDE and inspire, we pray, the leaders of the nations that all may find their security not in force of arms, but in the perfect love that casts out fear; through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN
Graham Forbes has been Provost of the Cathedral since 1990. The Provost is responsible for all aspects of the Cathedral's life and worship. Outwith the church, he is Chairman of the Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission (which investigates alleged miscarriages of justice in Scotland) and serves on the General Medical Council. He chairs the Scottish Executive’s Group on Blood-borne Viruses and the UK Committee on Ethical Aspects of Pandemic Influenza. His wife, Jane, is an English teacher, and they have three sons.
The Vice-Provost - The Revd Canon Dr Mark Harris
Mark Harris joined the Cathedral staff in February 2010. He has special responsibility for music and liturgy. In addition to his Cathedral work, Mark is involved in various theological projects. Having spent the previous 18 years as an academic in Oxford (first in Physics, more recently in Theology), he continues with these interests, and is currently working on a major 2-volume book project entitled "The Bible and Science". Mark is married to Harriet (also a priest, with a commission to the Cathedral), and four young children.
The Chaplain - The Revd Nicki McNelly
Nicki has recently started her second year of curacy as Chaplain at the Cathedral having been Priested on the 29th May 2010. She trained at Cranmer Hall, Durham and is enjoying life in Edinburgh with her husband and two daughters.
The Revd Dr Paul Foster
Paul lectures on the New Testament at the University of Edinburgh.
The Revd Dr Harriet Harris
Harriet is Chaplain to the University of Edinburgh, and is married to Mark (the Vice-Provost). She is a Philosopher of Religion and is well-known for her writing on Christian Fundamentalism.
Ecumenical Officer Helen Hood
Helen Hood has been a member of the Cathedral congregation since 1977 and, after graduating in Theology, became non-stipendiary ecumenical officer in September 2000. From 2001 to 2006 Helen also worked for the World Council of Churches, running their Project on Overcoming Violence Against Women, and she currently represents the Cathedral and Scottish Episcopal Church at various levels in Scottish and UK inter-church meetings.
The ecumenical officer aims to keep Cathedral members informed about ecumenical initiatives and developments in Edinburgh and further afield, and to encourage participation in ecumenical events and activities. These include joint services in the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity and on the World Day of Prayer, and ecumenical study groups for local churches during Lent. Helen is also interested in promoting good inter-faith relations.
The Lay Representative
Allan Hood
The Lay Representative forms a bridge between the Cathedral and the Diocese of Edinburgh, and also a link between the Cathedral Council and the congregation. Allan can be contacted by email at
Cathedral Council
The Cathedral Council meets three or four times a year, and brings together all the committee convenors, the Master of Music, and the Clergy. Its purpose is forward planning and discussion of what needs updating/changing. The congregation is kept fully informed of these discussions by the congregational meetings organised by the Lay Representative.
The Cathedral Board
The Board is chaired by the Provost. The Bishop is a member, as is the Diocesan Treasurer, the Cathedral Treasurer and other members of the congregation. Its job is to make sure the Cathedral can be kept financially viable (with the help of the Finance Committee), and to take an overview of the Cathedral’s activities and plans.
