The Venerable Richard Paul Davies, Archdeacon of Surrey has been appointed as the next Bishop of Dorking, following approval from the King.
Ven Paul will succeed the Right Reverend Dr Jo Bailey Wells, following her resignation. Wells was appointed as Bishop for Episcopal Ministry in the Anglican Communion in October.
Archdeacon Davies celebrates 25 years as a priest this month after being ordained at St David’s Cathedral, Pembrokeshire in 1997. He has served as Archdeacon of Bangor since 2012 and additionally as Archdeacon of Surrey since 2017 – where he has been responsible for the pastoral care of over 150 members of clergy.
Surrey-born husband and father, Davies says: “Whilst I am slightly daunted by the responsibility to be entrusted to me, my heart is full of joy at the prospect of continuing to serve a diocese and people I have grown to love.
“For the past six years, I have been constantly inspired by the faith, hope and love that pours out of our churches, schools and chaplaincies in the work of transforming lives. I feel immensely blessed to have been called to serve alongside Bishop Andrew in leading and caring for this diocese and, with the help of God, will do that to the very best of my ability,” he added.
Remarking on his appointment, Bishop Andrew, Bishop of Guildford praised Davies’ service over the past six years to the diocese of Guildford: “What a treasure he is: a godly disciple, a wise pastor, a gifted preacher, a keen strategist, and someone with extraordinary capacity for hard work. His family are pretty special too!”
Speaking of the future, Bishop Andrew explains that he and Paul will in episcopal ministry across the diocese, to work towards its Transforming Church, Transforming Lives project – a vision to see growth in personal faith and the Church body that outworks to growth and flourishing of the community.
“He will also have a particular brief to promote three of the areas in which we are investing the most, as Champion for children and youth, vocations and the environment. As Paul lays down one mantle and picks up another, I’m really excited at all that the Lord has in store,” he adds.
Paul will be ordained as a bishop in Westminster Abbey on 29th September. A service of welcome will be held at Guildford Cathedral on 8th October at 6.00pm.
