NEWS from Bristol Cathedral and the Diocese of Bristol
Her Majesty The Queen has approved the appointment of Canon Dr Mandy Ford as the new Dean of Bristol.
Mandy is currently Canon Chancellor at Southwark Cathedral and Director of Discipleship and Ministry for the Diocese of Southwark. She will take over from Canon Michael Johnson who has been Acting Dean since the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle became Dean of Westminster in November 2019.
Mandy trained for ministry at St Stephen’s House in Oxford, and subsequently studied for a PhD in ethics and biblical interpretation. She began her ministry on a housing estate in central Leicester, working with young people excluded from education. After curacy she remained in parish ministry in Leicester.
In 2008 she was appointed Chair of the Fabric Advisory Committee of Leicester Cathedral, a role that took on greater significance when the remains of Richard III were discovered in a nearby car park.
Mandy has been in her current role since 2014. She is passionate about seeing people grow in confidence in their faith and enabling clergy to be leaders in mission.
Canon Dr Mandy Ford will become the 43rd Dean of Bristol, and will lead the life of the Cathedral community, both in prayer and worship, as well as in its service to the city of Bristol and the wider Diocese of Bristol. The cathedral community includes the staff team, congregations, volunteers and the Cathedral Schools. Her installation as Dean of Bristol will take place in the autumn.
Canon Dr Mandy Ford said: “It is an enormous privilege to be appointed as the next Dean of Bristol. I very much look forward to working with the cathedral congregation and city institutions for the good of the city of Bristol.”
“I am excited by the prospect of living and working in such a vibrant and diverse city, sharing in the joys and challenges of the next few years as we seek to bring hope to all. The Spirit of God is a Spirit of love that both disturbs and comforts, my prayer is that the Spirit inspires and encourages us together to work for the flourishing of all.”
The Right Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol, said: “I am so glad that Mandy has accepted nomination by the Crown to the Deanery of Bristol. She brings extensive experience of cathedrals and their communities, along with commitment to working alongside those who are vulnerable in our great cities. I look forward with excitement to developing our partnership in the gospel and to welcoming Mandy and Anne to the Diocese."
Canon Michael Johnson, Acting Dean of Bristol Cathedral, said: “‘The Cathedral Chapter, the staff and the whole cathedral community are looking forward to welcoming our new Dean and are praying for her ministry among us.”
For interviews and further information please contact Sally Cordwell sally.cordwell@bristoldiocese.org 07980 921378