New Dean of Lincoln Announced: The Revd Canon Dr Simon Jones

The Bishop of Lincoln is pleased to confirm that The King has approved the nomination of The Revd Canon Dr Simon Jones as the next Dean of Lincoln.

The Bishop of Lincoln, the Rt Revd Stephen Conway, said:

“I am delighted that the King has approved Simon’s nomination to be the next Dean of our great Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Lincoln. We are looking forward to having him back after having benefited so much from his ministry as Interim Dean last year.

“As a result of Simon’s ministry as Chaplain, Chapel life at Merton is vibrant, generating a variety of vocations and stimulating engagement with faith and worship. Our experience of his pastoral heart fits with the care and wisdom Simon has brought to his key welfare role in college.

“We look forward to gaining from his pastoral care and passion for the Gospel. He brings a gift for apologetics which every cathedral needs. He also brings to the role his scholarly and practical expertise as a liturgist.

“I look forward to ministering with Simon both at the Cathedral and in his role as the senior priest of the diocese. He has already shown us his deep commitment to the sustainability and growth of the Cathedral’s welcome and outreach. I thank God for this appointment. Simon will be a blessing to us.”

Speaking about his appointment, Simon said he is looking forward to taking up the role:

“It’s a very great honour to have been appointed as the next Dean of Lincoln. My experience of serving as Interim Dean for nine months last year was enormously positive. When I arrived last March it was not my intention to apply for the substantive role. A sense of calling to serve this wonderful Cathedral, city, county and diocese grew as the months went by, underpinned by the support and encouragement of many people.

“Leading the Chapel community and welfare team at Merton has been a huge privilege, and it’s going to be hard to leave after more than twenty happy years. I will do so with the hope that all that I have learned from sharing in the leadership of this inspiring place has equipped me to begin this new ministry, and to pursue the many exciting opportunities it offers. I very much look forward to moving to Lincoln later in the year, and to all that lies ahead.”

The Revd Canon Nick Brown, Interim Dean and Precentor of Lincoln, said that he was delighted to be welcoming Simon into his new role as Dean:

“Simon’s appointment comes at an exciting time for the Cathedral as it moves forward into a new era following its recent full registration as a charity. The whole cathedral community will benefit from Simon’s expertise, energy and enthusiasm and on behalf of Chapter, staff and volunteers I wish him every success as he leads the Cathedral in its mission and ministry.”

Simon comes to Lincoln from Oxford where he is Chaplain and Fellow of Merton College. He will be moving to Lincoln with his civil partner, Canon Darren McFarland, who is currently Vicar of St Andrew’s, Headington and Assistant Chaplain of Keble College, Oxford.

The Rt Revd Dr Steven Croft, Bishop of Oxford, said:

“Simon Jones has made an outstanding contribution to the life of Merton College, the University, the Diocese of Oxford and the wider church over many years as a chaplain and fellow, liturgist, scholar and pastor. His ministry is deeply appreciated across the University and the City of Oxford as is that of Darren his partner.  We will miss them both but recognise that Simon will have so much to give to the life of Lincoln Cathedral and his new diocese and region.”

Professor Jennifer Payne, Warden of Merton College, Oxford, said:

“Simon has been an outstanding Chaplain. In his time at Merton he has overseen the introduction of the Choral Foundation and transformed the Chapel into the busy, vibrant environment we see today. As Head of Welfare he has also worked tirelessly to support the College community. He has been an integral part of the fabric of Merton for many years and he will be very much missed by us all.

“I am sure that all members of the Merton community will wish to join me in congratulating Simon and wishing him well on the next stage of his career, and encouraging him to return and visit us regularly.”

Simon is an Honorary Canon of Christ Church, Oxford, and a Wiccamical Prebendary (Honorary Canon Theologian) of Chichester Cathedral. He is a consultant to the Church of England Liturgical Commission and chairs the steering committee of the International Anglican Liturgical Consultation.

Simon will be installed at Lincoln Cathedral on Saturday 14 September, 2024. Further details will be announced later in the year.

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