Guildford Diocese Welcomes Its New Archdeacon of Surrey

Published on: 12 Oct, 2017
Updated on: 13 Oct, 2017

By Louisa Magnussen

The Venerable Paul Davies has been appointed the new Archdeacon of Surrey within the Diocese of Guildford.

The incoming Archdeacon of Surrey, the Venerable Paul Davies.

The clergyman, 44, is currently serving as the Archdeacon of Bangor in Wales, and is set to take up his new role as one of the most senior clergy in the diocese in December.

The Diocese of Guildford has two archdeaconries, Surrey and Dorking, with around 80 parishes in each.

The two archdeacons are senior staff with a key role of pastoral care for the 200-plus clergy. They help to enable strategy at a local level, oversee the care of church buildings and assist churches in vacancies they may have.

Making the announcement, the Bishop of Guildford, the Rt Revd Andrew Watson, said: “I am delighted that Paul has taken up our offer. He has a warm heart and a strategic head, and will make a great contribution to the life of the parishes and chaplaincies as we work together towards what we call ‘Transforming Church, Transforming Lives’.”

After training at Ripon College, Cuddesdon, Paul Davies was ordained in 1997 and served his title as Minor Canon of St David’s Cathedral. This was followed by successive incumbencies at Solva in Pembrokeshire and Burry Port in Carmarthenshire. During these years he was also ecumenical officer and director of ordinands for the Diocese of St David’s.

At the time of his appointment as Archdeacon of Bangor in 2012, aged 38, he was the youngest archdeacon in the UK.

The new archdeacon said: “I am humbled, excited and daunted to be appointed as the next Archdeacon of Surrey. I am greatly inspired by the Gospel vision, Transforming Church, Transforming Lives, and very much look forward to both celebrating and learning from God and his people in the Diocese of Guildford.

“I’m also pleased to have the opportunity to give something back to the county of Surrey for the gift of my wife, who is a Surrey girl.”

In his spare time, Paul enjoys being a father to two children, Gwilym and Llinos, woodwork, singing and all things nautical.

The Bishop of Bangor, the Rt Revd Andrew John, said: “Paul will be a huge asset to the team in Guildford. He brings energy and wisdom with the deepest commitment to God and to the Church.”

Paul Davies succeeds the Venerable Stuart Beake, who retired in September.