A NEW young person’s champion has been installed at Salisbury Cathedral.

The Rev Ross Meikle has taken up the role of Missioner for Young People, with a brief to engage with and represent the interests of youngsters.

He was licensed by the Bishop of Salisbury, the Right Revd Stephen Lake, during Evensong at the Cathedral on Sunday, March 10.

Rev Meikle joins from the Diocese of Oxford, where he served as Assistant Curate at the Benefice of Witney, then as Vicar of Redlands Parish Church, in Reading.

He also served as an LGBTQIA+ Chaplain for the diocese, as well as sitting on General Synod.

Canon Edward Probert, Sub Dean and Chancellor at Salisbury Cathedral, said: “We are delighted to welcome Ross to the Cathedral Team as our ‘young people’s champion’.

“We already have strong ties with schools across Wiltshire and Dorset through our Education team; run a special programme for Young Volunteers, who work as welcomers and as part of the Guiding team; and have two well supported community choirs for young people.

“As Missioner, Ross’ focus will be on expanding and diversifying our outreach and ministry, ensuring that young people and their families from all communities feel some ownership of this amazing place.”

Rev Meikle with former parishioners and friends at Salisbury Cathedral. Picture Finnbarr Webster

Rev Meikle will work within the Cathedral’s Outreach and Engagement team and also takes on the role of chaplain at the Cathedral School.

His passion for working with children and young people began when he was himself young and was drawn into helping in church activities.

“As a writer and storyteller I enjoy working with young people and particularly enjoy finding creative opportunities for them to develop their skills and gifts, so coming to a Cathedral that has a reputation for creative work in music and the visual arts is exciting,” he said.

“In particular, this year’s art exhibition, Our Earth, opens up lots of opportunity to explore creation and the world that God has gifted us.”

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He boasts degrees in Writing, Directing, and Performing, and in Theology and Ministry.

Among other part-time roles he is Summer School Chaplain for the Riding Lights Theatre Company, one of the UK’s most productive and long-established independent theatre companies.

The company takes innovative, accessible theatre into all kinds of communities far and wide, and while it is rooted in a Christian ethos, its work is open to everyone, using faith as a springboard to explore all aspects of life.

Ross has also served as the LGBTQIA+ Chaplain in the Diocese of Oxford, and at the University of Reading.

He lived in Kenya for three years as a teenager, when his dad worked for the Mission Aviation Fellowship.