The Dean of Southwark has announced he will retire from his position.

Almost 40 years after he was ordained as Deacon, Very Rev Andrew Nunn has said he intends to retire on the anniversary of his accession, the 4th of July 2023. 

In his letter to the Bishop of Southwark, Rt Rev Christopher Chessun, the dean said: "I wanted to give you a year's notice of this in order to allow you to begin the process of identifying and appointing my successor and for the new Cathedral Chapter to do the work it will need to do in order to be in a position to welcome a new Dean. 

"It has been the most enormous privilege to serve the people of God and lead the worship of Almighty God for all these years but especially from this position."

He continued: "There is a great deal I can do in a year. Be assured, I won't coast towards retirement. 

"It will be heart-breaking leaving but the time is right and I am sure you will find somebody wonderful to serve this wonderful community."

Responding to the loss, Bishop Christopher said, "The Dean of Southwark is much loved. He has brought his considerable gifts to the service of the Cathedral and wider Church with priestly devotion, humour, and a passion for generous and including orthodoxy. 

"As Dean he has built a hospitable and engaged community of prayer at the Cathedral, and as senior priest of the Diocese he has engaged with different civic bodies in a way that has earned their respect and ensured that the Church of England is seen as a credible partner in different walks of life. Andrew will be greatly missed by colleagues in the Cathedral, the Diocese of Southwark and on General Synod. 

"I have accepted his notice to retire with a sad heart, but Andrew is assured of my prayers and thanks for all that he has done and will continue to do over the coming year until his retirement."