A man with a 'deep understanding of our Diocese, considerable pastoral and leadership experience, and a strong commitment to the mission of the church' has been appointed the new Dean of St Davids Cathedral.
The Venerable Paul Mackness, currently Archdeacon of St Davids, will take up the role in the middle of October following an open and transparent recruitment process.
He will lead the life and ministry of St Davids Cathedral, one of Wales' most significant Christian sites.
His appointment follows the current Dean, The Very Revd Dr Sarah Rowland Jones leaving the cathedral in August to return to parish ministry in her home Diocese of St Asaph.
The announcement that she would step aside came weeks after a bishop's report highlighted significant challenges facing the cathedral, including a warning that it could face insolvency within two years. However, the report was not cited among her reasons for leaving.
Mr Mackness said on his appointment: "I am extremely honoured to have been asked to take on such an important role.
"St Davids Cathedral is not only of enormous importance to the Diocese of St Davids, but to the whole of Wales.
"It is our mother church, a place at the heart of the story of Christianity in Wales and home to the national shrine of St David.
"There are undoubtedly significant challenges ahead.
"The cathedral is facing difficult times, both financially and structurally, but I am confident that by working together as a team, drawing on the support of others and, above all, through prayer, we can achieve good things in God’s name.
"I am very much looking forward to beginning this new chapter in the middle of October."
The Right Reverend Dorrien Davies, Bishop of St Davids, welcomed the appointment.
He said: "I am delighted that Paul has accepted the call to serve as Dean of St Davids.
"He brings with him a deep understanding of our diocese, considerable pastoral and leadership experience, and, above all, a strong commitment to the mission of the church.
"St Davids Cathedral holds a very special place in the life of our diocese and in the Christian story of Wales.
"It is also entering an important period in its long history, and I know that Paul approaches the role with a clear understanding of both the challenges and the opportunities before us.
"I look forward to working closely with Paul, the cathedral chapter and the wider cathedral community as we seek together to ensure that this remarkable place continues to be a centre of prayer, pilgrimage, worship and Christian witness for generations to come."
Details of Mr Mackness’ installation will be announced at a later date.
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