The king has formally approved the appointment of Reverend Canon Toby Wright as the new Dean of Wells.

The diocese of Bath and Wells covers most of Somerset, in addition to parts of Dorset, where Reverend Canon will now head up the Church of England.

Reverend Wright arrives in Somerset from the diocese of Oxford, where he currently serves as team rector in Witney. Reverend Wright was educated in the home county town at Oxford University, before becoming ordained as a priest in Portsmouth in 2002.

Since then Reverend Wright has assumed a number of positions in the church, including as the vicar of St John Chrysotom in Peckham and as warden of the sisters of the community of Saint Mary the virgin in Wantage.

Commenting on his new appointment, Reverend Wright said: "I am thrilled, and humbled, to have been invited to come and serve among such a wonderful group of people at Wells Cathedral in this amazing place of prayer which was built to the glory of God.

"The Cathedral has an important role in supporting the mission and ministry of the bishop and of the whole diocese as we live and tell the story of Jesus. I am looking forward to listening with you, as we discern God’s call for the future, build a culture of hope and discover afresh God’s joy in our lives.

"As we offer hospitality to all in the name of Jesus Christ, I hope to continue to foster a sense for everyone who comes into contact with the Cathedral that they belong and they matter. 

“I am profoundly grateful for the colleagues and friends in Oxford Diocese with whom I have journeyed, and I look forward to getting to know the people of the Cathedral and the Diocese of Bath and Wells.  My family has strong roots in the area and we are looking forward to enjoying Somerset in the years to come.”

The Rt Revd Michael Beasley, Bishop of Bath and Wells, welcomed today’s announcement, he said: “The last year has seen the whole Cathedral community – chapter, staff, volunteers and congregation – working together brilliantly to enable Wells Cathedral to step out onto the next stage of its journey of faith. Toby’s appointment will enable us all to take that work forward.

"The many gifts Toby brings will add wonderfully to all that is already happening through the contributions of so many different people. His arrival will mark a new page in our life together. I’m looking forward with anticipation and excitement towards all that the future will bring.”

The Acting Dean of Wells, the Venerable Anne Gell, said: “On behalf of the Cathedral Chapter we are delighted that Toby has accepted the invitation to serve here as Dean. This is a wonderful Cathedral to be part of with an historic past and an exciting future. I’m sure I speak for the whole community, here in Wells and across the county and diocese, in welcoming this announcement and looking forward to Toby’s arrival.”