The Revd Canon Dr Simon Jones appointed next Dean of Lincoln

The Prime Minister’s Office has today announced that The King has approved the nomination of Canon Simon Jones to be the next Dean of Lincoln.  Simon will therefore be leaving the College this summer, having served as Chaplain for twenty-two years.

As Dean of Lincoln, Simon will be the head of the Cathedral foundation, leading the life and work of the Cathedral.  He will also be the senior priest in the Diocese of Lincoln, sharing with the Bishop and other colleagues in the oversight of the Church’s mission in Greater Lincolnshire. 

Commenting on his appointment, the Warden, Professor Jennifer Payne said, “Simon has been an outstanding Chaplain. In his time at Merton he has overseen the introduction of the Choral Foundation and transformed the Chapel into the busy, vibrant environment we see today. As Head of Welfare he has also worked tirelessly to support the College community. He has been an integral part of the fabric of Merton for many years and he will be very much missed by us all. I am sure that all members of the Merton community will wish to join me in congratulating Simon and wishing him well on the next stage of his career, and encouraging him to return and visit us regularly.”

Speaking about his appointment, Simon said, “It’s a very great honour to have been appointed as the next Dean of Lincoln.  My experience of serving as Interim Dean for nine months last year was enormously positive.  When I left Oxford last March it was not my intention to apply for the substantive role.  A sense of calling to serve this wonderful Cathedral, city, county and Diocese grew as the months went by, underpinned by the support and encouragement of many people.  It is going to be incredibly hard to leave Merton after more than twenty very happy years.  Leading the Chapel community and College welfare team has been a huge privilege.  I’ve gained so much from serving this community, and been fortunate to work alongside some wonderful colleagues and friends and, not least, the most amazing students, whom I will miss greatly.  I have been blessed to serve as Merton’s Chaplain; blessed, also, to have been given this exciting opportunity to begin a new ministry in Lincoln.”

The Rt Revd Stephen Conway, Bishop of Lincoln, also welcomed today’s announcement and said, “I am delighted that the King has approved Simon’s nomination to be the next Dean of our great Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Lincoln. We are looking forward to having him back after having benefited so much from his ministry as Interim Dean last year.

As a result of Simon’s ministry as Chaplain, Chapel life at Merton is vibrant, generating a variety of vocations and stimulating engagement with faith and worship. Our experience of his pastoral heart fits with the care and wisdom Simon has brought to his key welfare role in college. We look forward to gaining from his pastoral care and passion for the Gospel. He brings a gift for apologetics which every cathedral needs. He also brings to the role his scholarly and practical expertise as a liturgist.

I look forward to ministering with Simon both at the Cathedral and in his role as the senior priest of the diocese. He has already shown us his deep commitment to the sustainability and growth of the Cathedral’s welcome and outreach. I thank God for this appointment. Simon will be a blessing to us.”

The Rt Revd Dr Steven Croft, Bishop of Oxford, said “Simon Jones has made an outstanding contribution to the life of Merton College, the University, the Diocese of Oxford and the wider church over many years as a chaplain and fellow, liturgist, scholar and pastor. His ministry is deeply appreciated across the University and the City of Oxford as is that of Darren his partner.  We will miss them both but recognise that Simon will have so much to give to the life of Lincoln Cathedral and his new diocese and region.”

Simon will be installed at Lincoln Cathedral on Saturday 14 September 2024. Further details will be announced later in the year.