The Bishop of Liverpool and Dean of Liverpool have announced that Sharon Parr has accepted the role of Diocesan Secretary and Chief Operating Officer for Liverpool Cathedral. Sharon will join the cathedral and diocese in February 2025.
Sharon is currently Chief Executive Officer at EPIC Restart Foundation a charity that pioneers life-changing programmes that empower people to rebuild positive lives after gambling harm.
Sharon has held a variety of leadership and senior management roles in the non-profit and public sectors. This includes being COO for Carlisle Cathedral. Her background includes directing high profile international projects, campaigns and business operations. Sharon is also a qualified solicitor and became EPIC Restart Foundation’s first CEO in 2021.
Sharon is married to Revd Alun J. Hurd, Assistant Priest, Carham w Cornhill-on-Tweed & Branxton, Chaplain Northumbria ACF and Wing Chaplain Durham & Northumberland RAF Air Cadets. Currently living in Northumberland, they share a passion for The Beatles, so Sharon’s new role in Liverpool is a dream come true!
Bishop John said “At a crucial point in our diocese’s history it is essential we have a strong, compassionate leader able to deliver our bold, ambitious vision for the Diocese of Liverpool and Liverpool Cathedral. Sharon emerged as the ideal candidate from a strong field and I’m thrilled that she has accepted the role. I look forward to working with her and pray for her and her family as she prepares to start work with us in the New Year.”
Dean Sue added “Sharon was the unanimous choice of all as she displayed an excellent grasp of the complexities of cathedral and diocese and a clear understanding of how to chart a way through what will be exciting, yet demanding, years ahead. Her experience at Carlisle Cathedral will be helpful to us as we seek to deliver our ambitions over the next five years.”
Sharon said “I am really looking forward to rolling my sleeves up and joining such a talented and visionary team as both the diocese and cathedral look to move forward in such a clear and innovative way. I am under no illusion as to the challenges we will face together but I was really attracted to the vision and plans you have and firmly believe I can strongly support you all in delivering them. I can’t wait to meet you all and really get to know the communities at Liverpool Cathedral and across the diocese as I start with you in the New Year.”
