New dean appointed at Guildford Cathedral

The cathedral is the newest in the Church of England

A new dean has been appointed at Guildford Cathedral, with the Archdeacon of Sunderland, the Venerable Bob Cooper, taking up the role.

He will succeed the Very Reverend Dianna Gwilliams who served in the role for a decade, the cathedral said.

He will be the sixth dean of the cathedral with an installation due to take place at Guildford Cathedral in January to mark the appointment, which has been approved by the King.

The Dean Designate said he was excited to be starting a new chapter at Guildford and "to help grow numbers and outreach to all".

Guildford Cathedral is the newest cathedral in the Church of England, having been consecrated in 1961.

Archdeacon Cooper said: "There is a fantastic mission potential in this town and diocese, and I’d like to pay tribute to my predecessors, Dianna Gwilliams and Stuart Beake for their leadership and ministry."

He added that while "Guildford may have different issues and challenges to Durham", he said he was looking forward to continuing his "focus in championing those people whose voices struggle to be heard".

The Right Reverend Andrew Watson, Bishop of Guildford, said: "Bob comes with huge experience and considerable expertise and will bring fresh energy to the cathedral's mission to the town, the county and the diocese.

"We welcome Bob, and pray his time among us is faithful, fruitful and joyful."