The Bishops' Christmas Message 2024
A letter from the Bishops of Lincoln, Grimsby and Grantham, to the whole Diocese of Lincoln…
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The Revd Canon Dr Simon Jones became Interim Dean of Lincoln in March. His nine-month secondment from Merton College, Oxford comes to an end on Christmas Day.
The process to appoint the next substantive Dean is underway, and interviews are scheduled for February 2024. To cover the period between Christmas and the installation of the new Dean, the Bishop of Lincoln and the Chapter of Lincoln Cathedral have announced some interim arrangements.
The Rt Revd Stephen Conway, Bishop of Lincoln, has appointed the Revd Canon Nick Brown, the Precentor of Lincoln, to be Interim Dean from 26 December 2023.
The Bishop has also appointed the Revd Canon Prof Peter Neil as Interim Residentiary Canon. Peter was until recently Vice Chancellor of Bishop Grosseteste University.
An appointment has also been made to support the liturgical and musical life of the Cathedral while Nick is Interim Dean. The Revd Prebendary Alan Moses has been appointed as part-time Interim Succentor. Alan is a Priest Vicar at the Cathedral, as well as being the Bishop’s liturgical chaplain.
Additionally, the Cathedral has announced that Tom Wilson, the Senior Layvicar, will take up the volunteer role of Vice Chancellor. Tom oversaw the academic component of this year’s highly successful Byrd Festival and, in this new role, will work with colleagues to develop the Cathedral’s academic programme in new and exciting way
Tom Wilson will be installed as Vice Chancellor, and Alan Moses will be admitted as Interim Succentor, at Evensong at 5.30pm on Tuesday 5 December. At the same service, Bishop Stephen will license the Revd Nick Nawrockyi as his Chaplain. All are very welcome to attend this service. Peter will become Interim Residentiary Canon in January.
Bishop Stephen said, “Simon Jones’ time as Interim Dean has been a blessing to us all but, with so much achieved, we must return him to Merton College, Oxford at Christmas. I am delighted that the latest appointments will strengthen the Cathedral community during a time of transition.”
Simon Jones added, “I’m delighted to be handing over the reins to Nick, and know that the Cathedral’s life and ministry will go from strength to strength with Nick at the helm. Please join me praying for all those taking on new responsibilities, and in thanking them for their willingness to do so at a significant time for the Cathedral and Diocese.”