The Dean, The Very Rev. Tim Barker, has affirmed his decision to retire on 31 July, just before his 70th birthday in August, and he will leave the island.
‘It has been a great privilege to live and work in Guernsey for the past 10 years. Ministry here, and especially at St Andrew’s Church, where I have served as Rector, as well as in Alderney and Sark, has been richly rewarding,’ he said.
Mr Barker has written to both the Lt-Governor, and the Bishop of Salisbury, the Rt Rev. Stephen Lake, to confirm his retirement.
‘The Dean has served the Bailiwick with great distinction over the last 10 years, and I am grateful for his service in its fullest sense,’ said Sir Richard Cripwell.
The Bishop added: ‘Tim has been an impressive leader of the Church of England in Guernsey as Dean for over a decade. There is much to thank him for when the time comes but I know it is business as usual until Tim and Judy take their leave of the Bailiwick.’
The Deanery of Guernsey has an active presence on the island, overseeing 16 Anglican churches and 20 clergy.
‘There have been many high points, such as visits by members of the Royal Family; marking Liberation Day in Guernsey and Homecoming in Alderney, as well as visits to Biberach, and to Masnieres, with the Royal Guernsey Light Infantry Trust,’ said Mr Barker.
‘But equally important to me have been the opportunities to minister to individuals, and to support families in times of joy and times of grief, at baptisms, marriages and funerals.’
Outside of church life, he has chaired the board of directors at Elizabeth College and the Social Investment Fund.
The office of Dean of Guernsey is a Crown appointment, with the Dean holding the Bishop’s Commission.
The process for appointing the next Dean will begin soon.
The Dean has lived in the St Andrew’s rectory during his time in the island, but this winter the parish voted to sell the property and put it on the market.
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