The Next Dean of Wakefield

Dean Simon retires this July and we will say thank you and farewell to him and Anne on Sunday 06 July at a special Cathedral Eucharist (10:00) and a Diocesan Choral Evensong (15:30).

The process for choosing our next Dean is run by the national Church of England senior appointments team, and we will share as much as we can about the process as soon as we can.

The first stage in the process is widespread consultation.  On 08 and 10 April, a representative of the senior appointments team and the Dean of another cathedral will hold online meetings with a range of people from the Diocese of Leeds and the wider community.  They will then visit the cathedral on Friday 11 April to meet members of the cathedral staff and the Chapter (our governing / trustee body).  We have also asked some of our congregations, representing different groups / activities / services / ages, to meet them in person, though because there is limited time not everyone can be invited to meet them that day.

However, everyone is encouraged to contribute to the consultation process and say what they feel is good about our cathedral, what challenges we face, and what we would like our next Dean to be like.  You can do this by filling out a short, three-question survey which will take about 5-10 minutes.

You can complete the form online by clicking here.

If you prefer, you can download the form (see below).  You can also collect a paper copy from the cathedral or ring the Cathedral Office on 01924 373 923 and they will send you one.  You can then either email your form to jane.evans@wakefield-cathedral.org.uk or send it to Canon Jane Evans, Wakefield Cathedral Centre, 8-10 Westmorland Street, Wakefield WF1 1PJ.

We also want to hear from younger people in our community and there is a simpler form you can download below.

Please return your form on or before Easter Day, Sunday 20 April.

If you have any questions or concerns about this or any aspect of our cathedral life, please get in touch with one of the clergy.  Most importantly, please be praying for the Cowling family and for the cathedral staff and community during this time of change for us all.