New interim Dean announced for Southwell

The Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham, the Rt Revd Paul Williams, has announced that the Revd Canon Dr Neil Evans will be the interim Dean of Southwell.

New interim Dean announced for Southwell

Neil retired from his post as Residentiary Canon Steward for St Paul’s Cathedral and has recently moved to the diocese, where he and his wife Debbie have started to worship at the Minster.

Until 2022, Neil was the Diocesan Director of Ministry in London for 17 years, serving as part of the Bishop of London’s leadership team.

Ordained in 1984, he brings considerable experience of parochial, diocesan and most recently cathedral ministry, serving as a Prebendary Canon in St. Paul’s since 2018 and Canon Steward since 2022, where, in particular, he has gained valuable experience of working under the 2021 Cathedrals’ Measure.

The Bishop said:

“As Canon Steward, Neil combined leadership oversight for pastoral support alongside matters of finance, safeguarding and operations, as well as helping to support the preparation for and arrival of the new Dean of St Paul’s.

“Working closely with the Canon Precentor and with the support of Chapter, Neil will bring a breadth of experience and gifts.

“Neil will continue to live in his home in Bingham but will be in residence on a full-time basis; I think it particularly beneficial to the Minster and diocese to have a fulltime interim dean over the coming year. He will have a base in Southwell close to the Minster which will enable him to be on-hand as required when in residence.”

The announcement follows a Festal Evensong and Service of Farewell for the outgoing Dean of Southwell, the Very Revd Nicola Sullivan who announced her retirement earlier this year.

Neil will have a period of handover with the retiring Dean through October and will offer some supporting ministry before being installed as interim Dean of Southwell at a Service of Evensong on 4th November.

New Deans – Read about other new Deans recently announced.

• New Dean at Guildford.
• New Dean at Lichfield.
• New Deans at Chichester, Lincoln and Worcester.