The new Dean of Christ Church Cathedral, Reverend Canon Ben Truman, is excited about re-establishing the Cathedral as central to the heart of Christchurch city.
Alongside Theology, university studies in Theatre and Teaching have provided valuable experience and skills for Reverend Canon Ben Truman, who has recently been appointed the new Dean of Christ Church Cathedral in Christchurch.
“Theatre and Theology aren’t the strange bedfellows they might seem to be. I think both centre around a desire for truth, the power of story, and an invitation to wrestle with deep questions,” he says.
Taking up the role of Dean in December, 38-year-old Reverend Truman will be the Cathedral’s youngest ever Dean. The Otago alumnus moved into the priesthood seven years ago and is the Vicar of Opawa-St Martins in Christchurch. A devoted family man, with his wife Johannah he is also raising three children under the age of five.
His new role as Dean will include responsibilities for the worship and ministry of the Cathedral and leadership of its mission to the city of Christchurch. This is currently undertaken at the Cardboard Cathedral but will return to Christ Church Cathedral, once the rebuild to repair the extensive damage suffered during the earthquakes is complete.
“I am excited about re-establishing the Cathedral in the Square as central to the heart of the city and the Diocese. I want the Cathedral to be an inclusive space for everyone, a place of welcome and hospitality, irrespective of people’s faith or beliefs,” he says.
“We are more than halfway through the Cathedral’s rebuild. In four years’ time it will reopen its doors and continue to play its key part in our city’s identity.”
A Theatre Studies, History and Theology graduate, Reverend Truman also has a Graduate Diploma in Secondary Teaching, and after leaving Otago he taught Drama at Burnside High School before joining the priesthood.
“I adored my seven years at Otago,” says Reverend Truman. “They remain some of the most exciting, formative, and joyful years. A place of lifelong friendships.”
Five of his seven years at the University were spent at St Margaret’s College, where he was named a Fellow of the College. He says his time on the Welfare Staff at St Margaret’s helped him hone his pastoral skills and learn a lot about team dynamics.
He was also involved in more than 15 Lunchtime Theatre performances and received an OUSA Gold award for contributions to Theatre in 2007. “Allen Hall was like a second home to me.”
Particularly strong memories from Otago include, “being directed by the magnificent Lisa Warrington in Dylan Thomas’ Under Milkwood; having my lecturer Hilary Halba shove her fingers up my nose as part of a performance of Chekhov’s The Proposal; debating theology over single malt with the long-serving warden of St Margaret's (and Catholic Priest) Dr Peter Norris; directing former Dunedin Mayor Aaron Hawkins in a one-man-play on cheese addiction; and doing voice-over work as an evil rat for a team in the Master of Science Communication programme.
“Taking papers that were directly applicable – John Stenhouse on New Zealand Religious History was magnificent – and papers that were simply fascinating in-and-of-themselves – Australian Aboriginal History and the Theology of Kierkegaard, are also particularly memorable.”
He says theatre and teaching studies have helped shape who he is today and how he does what he does.
“Liberal arts degrees are dripping with transferable skills. My current position involves a regular teaching slot at an Anglican primary school. In terms of specific skills, theatre and teaching degrees are both very helpful for communicating from the pulpit, and theatre is particularly helpful for improvisation, public speaking, personal connections, and shaping a liturgy.”
Bishop Peter Carrell says Reverend Truman’s appointment ushers in a new era of leadership, fresh perspectives, and a commitment to fostering a strong sense of family and community within the heart of Christchurch.
“Ben brings to the role huge intelligence, a warm and approachable manner, and theological and pastoral insight into the ways of God in relation to humanity,” Bishop Carrell says.
“He's already a proven leader in our diocese and for seven years has been a Canon of the Christ Church Cathedral Chapter, the governing body of the Cathedral.
“The Cathedral is focused on being available for all kinds of special and civic occasions, alongside diocesan events. Ben is very familiar with the values and aspirations of our Cathedral community. He also understands the importance of nurturing both the spiritual and familial bonds that unite the Christchurch community.”
Kōrero by Margie Clark, Communications Adviser, Development and Alumni Relations Office