Downing Street has today announced that His Majesty The King has approved the nomination of Father Simon Robinson SMMS (Sodality of Mary, Mother of Priests) as the next Dean of Truro.

The Dean of Truro, Father Simon Robinson, smiling. Behind him is Truro Cathedral

Photo credit: LLE Photography

Simon has been the interim Dean of Truro since October 2022.

Fr Simon was previously Vicar of Minehead and has a long history, prior to ordination, of senior leadership in the education sector. He has also 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.

The Rt Revd Philip Mounstephen, Bishop of Truro, said: “I’m delighted that Fr Simon is to be the next Dean of Truro. I know that he has greatly impressed many since his arrival as Interim Dean by his strong faith, evident delight and trust in God, and his great desire that Truro Cathedral should be a place of excellence both in worship and mission, and I’m very pleased indeed that this role is now to be permanent.”

The Rt Revd Hugh Nelson, Bishop of St Germans, said: “This is wonderful news for the cathedral, the diocese and for the whole of Cornwall. Fr Simon has done a wonderful job for the last 10 months and I very much look forward to working closely with him into the future.”

On his appointment, Fr Simon said: “I am over the moon that The King has approved my nomination as the next Dean of Truro, and really truly excited to be working and serving at this great cathedral here in Cornwall. I am committed to my belief that Truro Cathedral is here for everyone who lives and works and visits Cornwall. It does not belong to me, it belongs firstly to God and then to everyone, whoever they are and whatever their faith status is. I believe firmly in the Welcome of God to all people, something I see right at the heart of the Gospel. I will do everything I can to ensure that we continue to build on that Gospel welcome.

“Truro Cathedral was built to the Glory of God by the people of Cornwall. This is an incredible and rich heritage. The cathedral stands proudly reaching up to the heavens as a place of worship, something that is of great importance and something that with colleagues that I hope to continue to develop and grow. The cathedral is also a place of historical importance, a treasure to be cared for, a place of important heritage, again something that working together I hope to celebrate. And importantly the cathedral is a place of gathering, engagement and celebration of the skill, talent and interest of the gift that is the diversity of humanity: art exhibitions, concerts, lectures, and many different events all play a part in our life and in our offering into Cornwall and in building a community here. Together, working as a team we will achieve great, good and Godly things for and with the people of Cornwall and the very many people who are drawn here from the four corners of the globe.”

Simon will be installed in the autumn by Bishop Hugh. More details will be available in due course. All will be very welcome to attend the service.