Downing Street has announced that the Venerable Bob Cooper, Archdeacon of Sunderland, is to be the next Dean of Guildford.
His nomination to be Dean, succeeding the Very Reverend Dianna Gwilliams who retired after a decade in the role, has been approved by The King.
Bob has been Archdeacon of Sunderland since 2018 and is one of three archdeacons serving the Diocese of Durham. He was ordained as Priest in 1994, serving his title at St Mary, Whitkirk, in the Diocese of Ripon. From 1998, he served as Vicar St Matthew, Lightcliffe, in the Diocese of Wakefield (now the Diocese of Leeds) and in 2005, he was appointed as Vicar St Giles and St Mary, Pontefract. From 2006, Bob additionally served as Area Dean.
The Bishop of Jarrow and Acting Bishop of Durham, the Right Reverend Sarah Clark has paid tribute to Bob’s time as Archdeacon.
Bishop Sarah said: “Bob has been an outstanding Archdeacon of Sunderland who has shown great dedication to our parishes in the six years he has faithfully served in the role. He has passionately championed those in our communities whose voices struggle to be heard and the need to address the biggest issues in our society, such as urban and rural poverty. He has made a significant contribution to the life of our Diocese, for which we are grateful. Bob will be greatly missed and he and Kate leave us with our love and prayers as they enter the next chapter of their lives in Guildford.”
Commenting on his appointment, Bob said: “I have loved working in the Diocese of Durham since I arrived in 2018. The time I have spent with you all has been totally fulfilling and the North East will retain a piece of my heart as I leave for pastures new. There have been such highlights as I reflect on in this time; the joys of worshipping in all of the churches in the Archdeaconry; meeting and working with committed priests and people; seeing poverty being challenged both practically and structurally; working across geographically different areas, from the rural to the estate, with all shades in-between and seeing God at work within them. However, the top highlight has been you, the people of the Diocese; to use a phrase I have come to know and love – you are Canny! Thank you.
“But the time has come to follow God’s calling to a new ministry. Sad though I am to be leaving the North East, I am excited about the mission potential which lies ahead at Guildford Cathedral. Like Durham Cathedral, Guildford cathedral stands on a hill as a beacon of witness to God’s love to the people who see it. There are huge opportunities in Guildford to link the Diocese and Cathedral together and to grow and develop a ministry to both the congregation and the Diocese.”
Bob will be installed as Dean at Guildford Cathedral in January 2025.