Dean Simon to Retire in July

Yesterday Simon Cowling, Dean of Wakefield in the Diocese of Leeds, Church of England, announced he will retire on 31 July.

Dean Simon took up his post in September 2018, having previously served in parish and cathedral ministry in Leeds, Sheffield and North Yorkshire.

Reflecting on his time in Wakefield, the Dean writes: “It has been a huge privilege to serve as Dean of this wonderful cathedral, to support Bishop Nick in his leadership of this young and unique diocese, and to work with so many people both within and beyond the Church for the common good of our city, diocese and region.

“I will miss Wakefield Cathedral and my colleagues here very much, but I am confident for its future under God.”

Sub-Dean, Canon Philip Hobday, adds, “Since arriving as our Dean, Simon has led Wakefield Cathedral to be even more committed to its mission as a place of prayer and welcome for everyone in the city, district, and diocese. He has been a model of faithful, prayerful resilience as he has overseen the cathedral community through many challenges, not least the pandemic. More information about how we can say thank you to Anne and Simon, and wish them well in the next phase of their life, will follow. Please pray for the Cowling family, and for the cathedral staff and community, through this time of change for us all.”

There will be a Cathedral farewell at a special Eucharist at 10:00 on Sunday 06 July, and a diocesan farewell at Choral Evensong at 15:30 that afternoon.

Click here for the Diocesan announcement, with links to comments by Bishop Nick and the Dean of Ripon.