THE chief executive of Christian Aid has been installed as an honorary canon at Salisbury Cathedral.

Loretta Minghella has become a Sarum Canon in an honorary position which recognises the contribution an individual has made to the national and worldwide church.

She now joins the College of Canons who are appointed to be advisors to the cathedral and chapter on policy and future plans.

Before joining Christian Aid in April, 2010 Loretta enjoyed a successful first career in financial regulations.

She was the first head of enforcement law, policy and international co-operation for the Financial Services Authority, later heading up the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, overseeing the payment of over £21bn in compensation to victims of bank and other financial failures.

In recognition of her contribution in the role, she was awarded the OBE in the New Year’s Honours 2010.

Responding to her new role at the cathedral, she said it was a tremendous honour and that she was looking forward to “nurturing bonds between Salisbury Diocese and Christian Aid as we pursue our shared calling to tackle poverty”.

Three new non-residentiary canons were installed at the same Evensong on October 13 – the Rev Eleanor Rance, who serves as the Rector of Salisbury Plain Benefice, the Rev Paul Taylor, Rural Dean of Salisbury, and The Rev Simon Weeden, Team Rector in the Whitton Benefice.

Susanna Denniston, who has a background in international events and the arts was installed as a lay canon.

The Very Rev June Osborne, Dean of Salisbury said: “I am delighted to welcome Loretta to the College of Canons.

“Not only is she a distinguished figure in her field but one whose role it is to remind us of our duty not just to our congregation but to the wider community both on and beyond these shores.

“I am also pleased to welcome our four new canons from closer to home.

“All of them bring their own expertise and interests with them and will be a tremendous support as we move forward with our plans for the future of the cathedral and cathedral life.”