Mertonian appointed Dean of Divinity at Magdalen College

We are delighted to congratulate the Reverend Dr Henry Hope, a former graduate student and Graduate Prize Fellow of the College, on his appointment as Dean of Divinity at Magdalen College. Henry will take up his new post on 21 February 2027.

Born and raised in Germany, Henry came to Merton in 2010 to study for a DPhil in musicology, specialising in the song repertoires of the 12^th and 13^th centuries. During his three years at Merton, he held a Graduate Prize Fellowship, served on the MCR committee, and worked for a time behind the College bar. Drawn to the Christian faith through the rhythms of worship and the life of the Chapel community, he was baptised and confirmed here in 2014.

Following his doctoral studies, Henry taught music at Magdalen College and worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Bern in Switzerland, before discerning a vocation to the priesthood. He trained at the College of the Resurrection, Mirfield, and Ripon College, Cuddesdon, and served his curacy at Hexham Abbey in Northumberland. He is currently Team Vicar of All Saints', Leek, and St Edward the Confessor, Cheddleton, in the Staffordshire Moorlands.

We offer Henry our warmest congratulations and wish him every blessing in his new ministry.