New Dean of Gloucester announced

No. 10 Downing Street has announced that His Majesty the King has approved the appointment of Andrew Zihni as the 39^th Dean of Gloucester

Andrew is currently Canon Precentor at Southwark Cathedral, a role he has held since January 2021; prior to this, he was Assistant Director of Vocations in the Diocese of Southwark and Honorary Minor Canon at Southwark Cathedral. As Dean of Gloucester, Andrew will lead all aspects of the Cathedral’s day-to-day life, ensuring it continues to be a beacon of hope for all, now and for generations to come.

 Canon Andrew Zihni said: “I am delighted and honoured to have been appointed as the 39^th Dean of Gloucester, following Stephen Lake’s faithful tenure over the past eleven years. Having grown up in the Far East with family roots in the Mediterranean, Hong Kong and Thailand, I have a passionate interest in fostering diversity, in sharing hospitality, and in building strong relationships. 

As I come to Gloucester Cathedral, the call to strengthen our commitment to diversity and social justice, to take the Cathedral community deeper into prayer and worship, to grow our work with young people, and to engage with the city and the wider diocese as a beacon of hope fills me with a real sense of Gospel joy.

I am much looking forward to the privilege of working with Bishop Rachel, the Cathedral Chapter, the Bishop’s Staff Team, and colleagues both in the Cathedral and the Diocese, and to journeying with the whole Cathedral community as we seek to fulfil our vocation of being in tune with heaven and in touch with daily life.”

The Right Revd Rachel Treweek, Bishop of Gloucester, said: “I am delighted that Andrew is to be the next Dean of Gloucester. At a time where there has been much coming and going regarding leadership at the Cathedral, it is wonderful to now have Andrew’s arrival on the horizon. He brings a rich diversity of experience from his life and ministry which will be a gift not only to the life of the Cathedral and Diocese, but also to the City of Gloucester and the different communities across the geographical span of the Diocese of Gloucester.

Andrew will be formally installed as the new Dean of Gloucester in April this year.

Gloucester News Centre – http://gloucesternewscentre.co.uk