Sheffield Cathedral's chief has quit after nearly 20 years following row over axed choir

The Very Reverend Peter Bradley – who said the choir was being closed in July in favour of new singing ensembles that ‘better reflect the diversity’ of Sheffield – announced he was leaving at the end of Sunday’s cathedral service, telling the congregation he had been feeling ‘tremendous pressure’ that had seriously affected his health.

Campaign body Save Sheffield Cathedral Choir said they recognised Very Rev Bradley’s ‘dedicated’ work, while adding his resignation was an ‘important step’ towards their aim of bringing back the choral group in its original form.

However, a cathedral spokeswoman confirmed that plans to replace the choir remained the same despite the dean's departure, saying: “Nothing else has changed.”

Very Rev Bradley told worshippers he was leaving ‘with great regret’ and his resignation would take effect from December 31, 2020. He has been the cathedral's dean for 17 years.

“I know this will come as a shock,” he said. “You may be aware of the tremendous pressure I have been under over recent weeks which has seriously affected my health. After prayerful reflection and conversations with people who know me well, including the bishop, I have decided the time has come for me to move on. I love the cathedral, our city and our diocese.”

The Bishop of Sheffield, the Right Reverend Pete Wilcox, said the cathedral had faced the coronavirus pandemic and an arson attack in May, as well as the choir dispute.

“Dean Peter has been under extreme stress for a prolonged period,” he said. “I was therefore not surprised to have received his resignation. I support Peter’s decision and wish to place on record my thanks to him for all the support and encouragement he has offered me.”

Prior to resigning Very Rev Bradley ordered an external inquiry after complaints were made about alleged bullying of musical staff and volunteers.

A petition by Save Sheffield Cathedral Choir has been signed by more than 8,500 people and former musicians have founded Steel City Choristers, led by the church’s old director of music Joshua Stephens, who himself resigned from the cathedral earlier this year.

Campaigners said Steel City Choristers allowed them to ‘continue singing in exile’.

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