The Rt Revd Philip Mounstephen, Bishop of Truro, is very pleased to announce the appointment of Fr Simon Robinson SMMS as Interim Dean of Truro for the period of one year.

Fr Simon is currently Vicar of Minehead and has a long history, prior to ordination, of senior leadership in the education sector. He also serves as Superior of the Sodality of Mary, a dispersed community of priests in the Catholic tradition dedicated to deepen their devotion and discipleship so as ‘to become more Christ centred and mission focussed’.

Simon has been the Chair of the Diocesan Board of Education for the Diocese of Bath and Wells, and sits on Diocesan and General Synod and various trust boards, both church and community. In 2021 he completed the Strategic Leadership Development Programme, a five-year programme for clergy identified as potential future leaders on a strategic and senior level. He is a national selector for candidates for ordination and Assistant Diocesan Director of Ordinands for the Diocese in Europe. In his spare time he is learning to ring bells.

Bishop Philip said: “I am delighted that Simon has accepted my invitation to come to Truro Cathedral to serve as Interim Dean. I believe his mix of skills, gifts and experience will serve the cathedral and the wider diocese and community in very good stead indeed. As a Residentiary Canon, Simon take on the role of Canon Missioner. We both of us see the hand of God in this and look forward very much to our close collaboration in the period of his tenure.”

Fr Simon said: “It has been an unexpected and humbling honour to discern this new calling to be the Interim Dean of Truro. I really do look forward to living amongst you, praying with you, and serving you and God’s beloved children for the coming year. Please pray for me, as I for you, in these days of preparation.”

Simon will be will be collated and installed as a Residentiary Canon at 4pm Evensong on October 9 by Bishop Hugh. All are very welcome to attend the service. That point will also mark the beginning of his term as Interim Dean. It is intended that he will fulfil this role for a full year, with the process of the appointment of a new Dean, in succession to the Very Revd Roger Bush, taking place in parallel.