Downing Street has today announced that Her Majesty The Queen has accepted the nomination of The Rt Revd Dr Jonathan Frost, the Suffragan Bishop of Southampton, as the next Dean of York.

The Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu said: “I am most grateful to Her Majesty The Queen for her approval of the appointment of The Rt Revd Dr Jonathan Frost as the new Dean of York.  Jonathan brings with him a wealth of experience as a Pastor and Leader in mission – in parish, school, chaplaincy and cathedral. He will lead the Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of St Peter in York, in its mission to serve God in worship, witness and service across the Diocese and Province of York.  We warmly welcome Bishop Jonathan and his family as they move from the Diocese of Winchester to be with us here in York.”

The Rt Revd Dr Jonathan Frost said: “I am delighted and honoured to have been invited to take up the role of Dean of York.  I look forward to serving the Minster community, the Diocese of York and the Northern Province as together we seek to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to reflect the radiant goodness of Jesus Christ.  May I ask for your prayers for me, for Christine and for our family as we move to York.”

The Rt Revd Dr Jonathan Frost, the Dean designate, is at York Minster throughout today to meet with the Chapter, staff, volunteers and visitors. Evening prayer will be said at 5.15pm and will be followed by refreshments. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Right Worshipful Peter Collier QC, Chair of the Nomination Panel for the Dean of York, said: “I am delighted with the appointment of Bishop Jonathan. He is a person whose life is deeply rooted in prayer; he has a passion for mission; and as a bishop he is someone who is recognised as being a focus of unity. This combination of giftings will enable him to build on and consolidate the developments that have taken place recently and under God to lead York Minster into its next phase of ministry.”

Jonathan Frost (aged 54), was consecrated Bishop in the Church of God to serve as the Suffragan Bishop of Southampton and Installed as Canon at Winchester Cathedral in 2010. He has also served as Anglican Chaplain to the University of Surrey, and as Canon Residentiary of Guildford Cathedral. In 2007, he became Co-ordinating Chaplain at the University and was appointed the Bishop of Guildford’s Advisor for Inter-Faith Relations. He is a Benedictine Oblate and follows a Rule of Life.

The installation of the Dean designate will be held on Saturday 2 February 2019 at York Minster.

Read Downing Street’s full statement here