Leicester Cathedral was host to a special civic service, welcoming the new Lord Mayor of Leicester, Councillor Teresa Aldred. The service, held on Sunday 15 June 2025, was an opportunity to give thanks to God and pray for his blessings upon the City of Leicester, the work of the Lord Mayor, and all who hold public office in the city.
Cllr Aldred took on the primarily ceremonial role of Lord Mayor in May 2025, a one-year post which offers a unique opportunity to support and promote the interests of the city and its citizens.
The service was led by the Very Revd Karen Rooms, Dean of Leicester with the sermon delivered by The Rt Revd Martyn Snow, Bishop of Leicester. Prayers were led by the Very Revd Fr Richard Ounsworth OP, Spiritual Advisor to the Lord Mayor.
The service also gave space to remember those most vulnerable and in need members of our community. Those present were invited to participate in an act of commitment based on the Seven Principles of Public Life, led by Cllr Aldred and Revd Rooms. It was a resolution to work for the people and communities of the city, leading by example with selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness and honesty.
Cllr Aldred is committed to encouraging charitable effort across the city. She has chosen two particular charities to promote during her term; the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust, which strives to reduce the impact and incidence of sudden arrhythmic death syndrome and the men’s suicide prevention charity, ANDYSMANCLUB. A retiring collection was taken in support of these two causes.
There have been links between the Cathedral and the civic authorities of Leicester, dating back many centuries, long before the Church of St Martin became the Cathedral in 1927. These links are set to strengthen further with the opening of the Cathedral’s new Heritage & Learning centre.
Guests to the service were able to visit the centre, officially opened just the day before. This renewed space offers possibilities for welcoming people from across the city to exhibitions, concerts and events, sitting alongside the Cathedral’s worshipping life as a place of prayer and reflection in a busy world.
Guests in attendance included the Chairman of Leicestershire County Council, The High Sheriff of Leicestershire, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire, the Temporary Chief Constable and the Freemen of the City of Leicester.