What are you most looking forward to in the role?
I'm most looking forward to re-establishing the Cathedral in the heart of the City, County, and Diocese as we open the doors of the Cathedral building again and complete our new Heritage and Learning Centre with its facilities. I am excited about our becoming a stronger intercultural worshipping community, and to building partnerships across difference that contribute to Leicester's flourishing.

What are your hopes for the future for Leicester Cathedral, and what do you see as the challenges?
Seeing the Cathedral humming with visitors of all ages from the city, county, and across the world enjoying their time and engaging with the arts and exciting activities. I want everyone who comes here to sense the embrace of God and to know they have been seen and loved. I hope the Cathedral can grow in confidence as a centre of worship, justice, and mission. I want the people of Leicester and Leicestershire to feel this is their Cathedral and a place they belong. The immediate challenge is to see the Leicester Cathedral Revealed project through to completion and delivering its vision and activities.

Why is Leicester Cathedral so special to you?
We have some amazing and creative people who worship, volunteer, and work here. I love the renewed building from its light and expansive space through to a quiet corner in which to pray. There is so much potential to serve others and offer a breadth of experiences and welcome.

What do you love about Leicester and Leicestershire?
It's a great city in which to live and work. Eating on the Narborough and Belgrave Roads; meeting people from all over the world with important stories to tell; being able to walk and run through the green corridor along the River Soar from Fosse Park to Watermead and at Bradgate Park; and the fantastic arts offer in the city. I have been very happy here over the last 7 and a half years.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
Parkrun on a Saturday morning is an absolute must, as well as fitting in time to swim and do Pilates to unwind. I like to have 'adventures' planned – things like time with friends, gigs, concerts and theatre, and trips to the mountains or the coast. I have been in a Book Club for 20 years – and sometimes I even read the book!

You haven't always been a priest? What did you do before you were ordained in 2006?
After working in sales and marketing with Procter and Gamble, and logistics with the Boots Company. I worked with the Anglican Church in northern Tanzania where I lived for 7 years with my husband and young children. That wonderful cross-cultural experience really shaped me. While I was there I established a café business in Moshi, which is the centre of Tanzania's coffee business. After coming back to the UK I volunteered with Citizen's Advice and trained for ordination in the Church of England.

What has your path of ministry been since you were ordained in 2006?
I worked as a parish priest in the inner-city parishes of Hyson Green and then St Ann's in Nottingham and then became Area Dean of Nottingham South. Working with refugees and those seeking asylum in public space led me to explore the very public ministry cathedrals offer so I came to Leicester to be the Cathedral's Canon Missioner in 2016. I combined this with parish ministry at St Andrew's Jarrom St and with St Nicholas Church. When we reopened after the pandemic I became Sub-Dean and then Acting Dean in December 2022, whilst also remaining responsible for St Nicholas.

What are your personal highlights in those years of ministry?
Seeing people grow in confidence in talking about their experiences of God, and living authentic lives that match what they believe. Encouraging individuals and parishes to identify their identity and missional calling is exciting and I love to see culturally diverse communities flourishing in love and service. lt was great to see an inner-city church in Nottingham become the 'Spiritual Home of Wrestling' and thousands of people experience the 'Suspended' artwork here in the Cathedral (the installation was made of clothing from the beaches of Lesbos discarded after difficult journeys).

My ministry has been significantly shaped by community organising. I was a founding leader of Nottingham Citizens, working with different communities in 42 different institutions in an alliance across faiths, labour and education. I am immensely proud of the justice we work on together and win - like the County Council paying the Real Living Wage or misogyny being recognised as a hate crime for the first time by the Nottinghamshire Police. I have subsequently being involved with Leicester Citizens and their work for change and am the Chair of Trustees of CitizenUK.

Karen is married to The Revd Canon Dr Nigel Rooms, practical theologian and consultant missiologist. They have two grown-up children who live and work in London.