The Very Revd Karen Rooms was installed as the third Dean of Leicester by the Lord Bishop of Leicester, The Rt Revd Martyn Snow, during a special service on Saturday 9 March 2024.

The service was sung by the Leicester Cathedral Choir, and included a performance in Punjabi from the Music Group of All Saints' Church in Belgrave. Much of the music was personally chosen by Karen. Prayers were said by members of the Cathedral community in different languages, including Swiss German, Luganda, Cantonese, Malayalam, and English.

Following in succession to Vivienne Faull and David Monteith, Dean Karen was announced as the Dean in November 2023 after serving as Acting Dean from January 2023. She was previously the Cathedral's Sub-Dean and Canon Missioner.

The Rt Revd Martyn Snow says

"It was a privilege to install Karen as the new Dean of Leicester. With her courageous and compassionate leadership, and her passion for justice and equity, I have every confidence that she will continue to nurture, disciple, and grow the worshipping community at the Cathedral, and ensure the Cathedral lovingly serves and inspires our whole community and Diocese".

The Very Revd Karen Rooms says

"It was a real privilege to be installed as the third Dean of Leicester in this great city and county on Saturday. It was very moving to be supported by so many people in the Cathedral as I formally took on the role. Although I have been Acting Dean for over a year now, stepping into the role fully and formally was a significant moment.

"As Dean my work is in three areas: overseeing the life and work of the Cathedral – leading what we call the 'mother church' of the Diocese – the Church of England in Leicestershire – and playing our part in the Diocese, and together with the Bishops, working with people in our different communities for the common good.

"I want Leicester Cathedral to be a cathedral for everyone – where people with different identities feel seen and know they are welcome. Our newly refurbished building is a wonderful place to visit, and I am particularly looking forward to the opening of our new Heritage and Learning Centre later this year, where we will tell stories of the city and county, both from the past and as they unfold in the present. We are a centre of Christian worship, with open doors and hope we can be a beating heart of love and welcome in this city and county."

The service was attended by the Bishop of Loughborough, Saju Muthalaly: and Robert Freeman, Honorary Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of Leicester, and the Deans of Chester, Derby, and Southwell.

Also in attendance were Richard Brooks DL representing The Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire; Henrietta Chubb, High Sherrif of Leicestershire; Dr Susan Barton, Lord Mayor of Leicester; City Mayor of Leicester, and Dr Kevin Feltham, Chair of Leicestershire County Council.

The Dean is a senior priest in the Diocese and exercises leadership of the Cathedral – its worship, people, mission, outreach and public life, overseeing governance, safeguarding, staff, and operations. The post of Dean of Leicester has been in existence since 2002, prior to that the postholder was referred to as Provost since 1927.

Karen Rooms was ordained in the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham, being priested in 2007. Before moving to Leicester in 2016, she served as an Area Dean in Nottingham, and Vicar of St Ann with Emmanuel Church. Karen is also chair of trustees of the national community organising charity CitizensUK.