The Revd Canon Dr Simon Jones appointed as the Interim Dean of Lincoln

The Revd Canon Dr Simon Jones, Chaplain and Fellow of the College, has been appointed as the Interim Dean of Lincoln. The Governing Body has granted Simon sabbatical leave to enable him to take up this role from 25 March until 25 December 2023 (Passiontide until Christmas).

The Acting Bishop of Lincoln, the Rt Revd Stephen Conway, writes:

“I am so grateful to the Warden and Fellows of Merton for their releasing Simon to serve with us during his interim tenure as Dean of Lincoln.”

As Chaplain, Simon performs a number of important roles in College, including overall responsibility for the Chapel and Choral Foundation, welfare provision and student financial support. The College will appoint an Acting Chaplain for Trinity and Michaelmas terms 2023 to work alongside the Revd Lyndon Webb, the Associate Chaplain, and other members of the Chapel team, and arrangements will be made to cover Simon’s other duties in College.

Simon writes:

“It’s a great privilege to have the opportunity to serve the Cathedral and Diocese of Lincoln in this interim role. I am grateful to colleagues at Merton for making this secondment possible, and very much look forward to working alongside new colleagues in Lincoln and becoming part of the Cathedral community.”

The Acting Warden, Professor Jennifer Payne, writes:

“This is a wonderful opportunity for Simon and as a College we are delighted to be able to support him in performing this important role. We know that the Lincoln community will be in safe hands under Simon’s leadership and we wish him every success.”