Announcement of new interim Dean
An update from Bishop Paul concerning Southwell Minster:
I would like to express my gratitude to all who took part in last Sunday’s moving and fitting Festal Evensong and Service of Farewell for Dean Nicola and Terry.
As we now prepare to commence the process to appoint the next substantive Dean, and in consultation with the Cathedral Chapter, I am delighted that the Revd Canon Dr Neil Evans has accepted my invitation to become interim Dean of Southwell.
Neil has recently moved to the diocese, where he and his wife Debbie have started to worship at the Minster, having retired from his post as Residentiary Canon Steward for St Paul’s Cathedral.
Until 2022, Neil was the Diocesan Director of Ministry for 17 years, serving as part of the Bishop of London’s leadership team. Ordained in 1984, he brings considerable experience of parochial, diocesan and most recently cathedral ministry, serving as a Prebendary Canon in St. Paul’s since 2018 and Canon Steward since 2022, where, in particular, he has gained valuable experience of working under the 2021 Cathedrals’ Measure. As Canon Steward, Neil combined leadership oversight for pastoral support alongside matters of finance, safeguarding and operations, as well as helping to support the preparation for and arrival of the new Dean of St Paul’s.
Working closely with the Canon Precentor and with the support of Chapter, Neil will bring a breadth of experience and gifts.
Neil will continue to live in his home in Bingham but will be in residence on a fulltime basis; I think it particularly beneficial to the Minster and diocese to have a fulltime interim dean over the coming year. He will have a base in Southwell close to the Minster which will enable him to be on-hand as required when in residence.
Neil will have a period of handover with Nicola through October and will offer some supporting ministry, prior to being installed as interim Dean of Southwell at a Service of Evensong on 4th November.
May I also take this opportunity to share that our Residentiary Canon Missioner, The Revd Canon Paul Rattigan, will be taking ill-health retirement from 8th November 2024. Although this is not the end to ordained ministry that Paul or Anne would have envisaged, we are so grateful for the way they have enriched and encouraged the community of faith both here in the Minster and beyond since their arrival in January 2022. There will be an opportunity to give thanks and to say farewell to Paul and Anne at the 10am Sunday service on 3rd November. Details will follow in due course regarding the appointment of a new Residentiary Canon.
I am mindful that further ministry resource will need to be identified at the earliest opportunity for this interim period and further consideration is being given to this already.
In the meantime, I am most grateful to Canon Richard Frith for the care and continuity of his leadership to the Minister at this time, and for his diligence and wisdom as he works with the interim dean to identify and support the spiritual and pastoral needs of the Minster community for this next season.
I am sure you will join me in holding Paul and Anne in your prayers as they prepare for their retirement, as well as for Neil as he prepares to come alongside to lead and support the Minster community and the wider diocese and county.
With gratitude for our partnership in the Gospel
Bishop Paul
The Rt Revd Paul Williams
The Lord Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham